Prince Andrew knew an alleged Chinese spy for 10 years before the Duke of York “dropped” him, it has been claimed.
The pair met in 2012, but it was not until 2022 that security services discovered the former Chinese businessman, known only as H6, according to the Mail.
During the decade, the duke appointed him a trusted business adviser, court papers disclosed this week.
The Duke of York was urged to “be clear and honest” about his relationship with the alleged spy, who became a “close confidant” to Prince Andrew.
Prince Andrew is facing fresh controversy following allegations of being connected to a 'Chinese spy'GettyCalls have been made for an inquiry into how the alleged Chinese agent had infiltrated the Royal Family.
A statement from Andrew's office said that Andrew had "ceased all contact" with the businessman.
The announcement read: "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."
The individual attended Andrew's 60th birthday party at Royal Lodge in 2020
PAHe added: "He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security."
It came as MI5 was investigating Chinese money given to Andrew, it was claimed.
The duke’s business ventures are understood to have received cash from Chinese donors with links to the alleged spy, The Daily Telegraph reported.
The individual attended Andrew's 60th birthday party at Royal Lodge in 2020.
Prince Andrew invited the Chinese businessman into Buckingham Palace twice, according to the Times
GettyLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
In addition, it was reported that Prince Andrew invited the alleged Chinese spy into Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Windsor Castle.
Prince Andrew invited the Chinese businessman into Buckingham Palace twice, according to the Times.
The pair also previously attended a function at St James's Palace and Winsor Castle.
The alleged spy was assured by Andrew's adviser, Dominic Hampshire, that he was so important to the prince that he sat “at the top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on”, the court documents revealed.
