Prince Andrew’s finances investigated by MI5 as Duke of York breaks silence on scandal
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Prince Andrew’s finances are being investigated by the MI5, according to new claims as the Duke of York broke his silence on an ongoing scandal into his links with an alleged spy.
The Duke of York's business venture is understood to have received money from Chinese donors with links to an alleged Communist Party spy.
The Telegraph has since claimed that the alleged Chinese money given to Andrew is being investigated by the security services.
The disclosure comes after it emerged on Thursday that the alleged spy, described as a “close confidant” of the Duke of York in court documents, had been banned from the UK on national security grounds.
Prince Andrew’s finances investigated by MI5 as Duke of York breaks silence on scandal
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The office of the Duke of York has since broken its silence with Andrew's first comments on the scandal.
The Duke of York insisted that he “ceased all contact” with the businessman accused of being a Chinese spy after receiving advice from the Government.
The statement said: “The Duke of York followed advice from HMG 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.
Prince Andrew is facing fresh controversy after it emerged an alleged Chinese spy, who has now been banned from Britain by MI5, was close enough to the royal circle to attend the Duke of York's birthday partyGetty“He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.”
The case raises questions for the Duke of York over how he is funding the upkeep of Royal Lodge, his 30-room home at Windsor, and his own private security.
It is understood that Buckingham Palace has no way of scrutinising the duke’s finances, including the money used for the upkeep of Royal Lodge, which is owned by the Crown Estate.
Sources told the Telegraph that the Palace had “no power, authority or legal right” to do so and that all Palace officials could do was seek assurances that the duke’s money was “legitimately earned”.
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Prince Andrew photographed with his brother King Charles
GettyOn Friday, The Mirror reported that the King was made aware of the MI5 investigation into his brother and his links to the alleged Chinese agent.
Buckingham Palace declined to say when the King was told about the MI5 investigation into the alleged spy.
The alleged spy, known only as H6, is a former junior civil servant in China who is accused of working for the United Front Work Department (UFWD).
This is an arm of the Chinese state used to gather intelligence, recruit agents and buy influence abroad.
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