'Spy row' Andrew pulls out of royals' Christmas bash to 'do the right thing

PRINCE Andrew has decided not to join the Royal Christmas gathering Family's at Sandringham in the wake of the Chinese "spy" scandal.

-  Stephen Beech

The Duke of York, 64, has pulled out of being with his brothers and sister in Norfolk, as has ex-wife Sarah, according to royal insiders.

Andrew agreed to stay away and spare King Charles and the rest of the royals further embarrassment as alleged spy Yang Tengbo, who forged links with the Duke, insisted he has "done nothing wrong or unlawful".

The Duke is a regular when the royals make their annual visit to St Mary Church at Magdalene Sandringham on Christmas Day.

But he will be missing this year as will his ex-wife and their two daughters, Princess Eugenie and pregnant Princess Beatrice, who are understood to be spending the with their in-laws. It's a fresh blow for Andrew, who was once second in line to the throne.

He had been facing mounting calls to "do the right thing" and uninvite himself from the family's Christmas lunch.

The King is set to host his biggest-ever family Christmas, Prince with having William already stated he will be spending December 25 with 45 people at Sandringham.