Prince Andrew’s friends appear to have defended the Duke after he became the center of a new scandal, insisting: “It’s not Andrew’s fault.”
The Duke of York, 64, hit the headlines again last week for all the wrong reasons after it was confirmed he was friends with Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo – formally known in court as H6 – who is now believed to have been a suspected spy.
While Tengbo has denied allegations of acting as a spy, Prince Andrew is said to have ceased all contact with him from the moment concerns were first raised by the government.
However, Andrew’s past friendship with Mr Tengbo – which even saw the businessman invited to the Duke’s 60th birthday party and various royal palaces – has left Andrew in a difficult position.
His office said Andrew only met the suspected spy on official business and is not the only one to have seen him, with two former British prime ministers – David Cameron and Theresa May – also having been in contact with the businessman.
The former prime ministers’ offices insisted that these meetings were just regular meet-and-greets.
The Daily Beast’s sourcewho is believed to be a friend of the Duke, said: “This guy has apparently operated with impunity in the UK for years and met with the Prime Minister. It’s not Andrew’s fault, it’s the security services.”
A friend of the duke also told The telegraph: “If it is true that the Duke was targeted by this man and that this man in turn was maneuvering in some way, I don’t see how that can be a criticism of the Duke rather than a criticism of Chinese agents. It is a bit mystifying.”
Prince Andrews office released a statement last week after it became public knowledge that he had been a confidant of the suspected Chinese spy.
His office said: “The Duke of York followed advice from HMG (Her Majesty’s Government) and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised.
“The Duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. He cannot comment further on matters of national security.”
It is also believed that King Charles’ senior aides were briefed by MI5 on the matter.
