Andrew 'invited' suspected spy to Buckingham Palace

An alleged Chinese spy banned from the UK on security grounds was reportedly invited to Buckingham Palace by Prince Andrew.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN

The businessman at the centre of the latest scandal to engulf the Duke of York is said to have twice visited the royal residence at the invitation of the King’s younger brother. The suspected spy, known only as H6, also entered St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle, it was reported.

Andrew insists he “ceased all contact” with the businessman accused of being a Chinese spy when concerns were first raised about him. He met the individual through “official channels” and “nothing of a sensitive nature was ever discussed”, a statement from his office said.

King Charles has also reportedly been briefed by British security services over his brother’s association with the alleged spy, described as a “close confidante” of Andrew.

It is the latest association of the Duke of York’s to cause controversy after his affiliation with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein led to him being removed from royal duties in the wake of a disastrous interview with BBC Newsnight.