King Charles briefed on Prince Andrew’s links to ‘Chinese Spy’

LONDON: King Charles has reportedly been informed by British security services about Prince Andrew’s association with an alleged Chinese spy, known only as H6.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has claimed he “ceased all contact” with H6 after concerns were raised. His office stated that “nothing of a sensitive nature was ever discussed” between them, according to a report published in The Independent newspaper.

H6, described as a “close confidante” of the Duke, recently lost an appeal against his exclusion from the UK on national security grounds.

According to The Mirror, King Charles has been updated on the matter and is “very aware” of the steps being taken.

This controversy adds to the Duke of York’s troubled history, following his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which led to his removal from royal duties after a disastrous interview on BBC Newsnight.

In a statement, Andrew’s office said, “The Duke of York followed advice from His 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 is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.”

Court documents revealed that H6 had developed a close relationship with Andrew, attending his 2020 birthday party and being told he could act on the Duke’s behalf.

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A letter from Andrew’s adviser, Dominic Hampshire, found on H6’s devices during a 2021 port stop, described the businessman’s influence. The letter stated, “You should never underestimate the strength of that relationship… Outside of his closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.”

H6 was excluded from the UK in March 2023 by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman due to national security concerns. Officials claimed that H6 could facilitate relationships between UK and Chinese figures that might be exploited for political interference.

A Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) dismissed H6’s appeal, with judges ruling that Andrew could have been “vulnerable” to H6’s influence.

While the judgment clarified that not all commercial ties between Chinese nationals and members of the Royal Family pose a threat, H6’s relationship with Andrew was deemed ‘exceptional’ and ‘concerning’.