Prince Andrew ‘snubs Charles’ Christmas speech’ after ‘opting not to join family’ at church
Prince Andrew was spotted leaving with his ex-wife just minutes before an important moment for his brother, the King.
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Prince Andrew has been spotted with his ex-wife after it was revealed he would no longer attend the royal Christmas in Sandringham.
The disgraced Duke left Windsor around 2.45pm, local time, leaving minutes before the King’s speech was broadcast to Britain.
The Duke of York, 64, was reported to have declined the annual festivities hosted by King Charles.
He drove away from his home, Royal Lodge, which he continues to share with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.
It comes after the Duke was recently revealed to be entangled in a Chinese spy scandal.
He has been described as a “close confidant” of alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo.
It is thought the pair shared a friendship for more than ten years with the latter being banned from the UK on national security grounds.
In a statement issued two weeks ago, Andrew’s office 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.
”He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.”
The suspected spy previously lost an appeal which led to the scandal being brought to the public eye.
In their ruling, the judges pointed to what they called the “unusual degree of trust” the man had from a senior royal.
They added: “It is obvious that the pressures on the duke could make him vulnerable to the misuse of that sort of influence.”
The man, known as H6, was banned last year by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman after officials flagged concerns.
Earlier this week, experts revealed that the Prince would never go to Sandringham again to save Charles from humiliation.
Biographer Andrew Lownie told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show: “I don’t think he’s going to go to Sandringham ever again.”
He added the other royals “need to distance themselves from him” to save any further embarrassment.
Lownie described how the Prince had been “forced” out of the festive celebrations.
Originally published as Prince Andrew ‘snubs Charles’ Christmas speech’ after ‘opting not to join family’ at church
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