A businessman accused of spying on behalf of China has received invitations to Buckingham Palace and other royal residences from Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. The man, known as only “H6,” banned by the government from the United Kingdom for national security reasons, went to several royal homes Buckingham Palace twice, St James’s Palace, and Windsor Castle, to receive invitations from the duke.
On Friday, the Duke of York’s office said he had “ceased all contact” with H6 after security concerns were raised. It was explained that the duke met the businessman through “official channels” and that no sensitive discussions took place. The case against H6 was brought to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission after Home Secretary Suella Braverman declared in March 2023 that he should be excluded from the UK.
Briefing notes shared with the home secretary in 2023 noted that H6 had the potential to build relationships between high-ranking Chinese officials and influential figures in the UK, which might result in political interference. According to experts, like Harvard’s Rana Mitter, this type of influence is more about long-term relationship building rather than instant access to sensitive information.
Other reports indicate that King Charles has also been informed about his brother’s relationship with the alleged spy. The royal family is now taking steps away from Andrew, including reducing his £1m yearly allowance and cutting private financing for the duke’s security. Critics, including MPs and royal biographers, feel this new development only adds to the reputation of the royal family and increases calls for the scrutiny of their finances and activities.
