Last month, reports claimed that Andrew, 64, cancelled plans to spend Christmas at the Sandringham estate after his friendship with an alleged spy came to light.

He had reportedly invited the spy into three royal palaces including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. After the alleged spy denied the “entirely untrue” claims, former Chairman of the Conservative Party Lord Patten has spoken out about the relationship.

Prince Andrew involved in ‘spy’ scandal

King Charles’ brother Andrew stepped away from royal duties in 2019 after Virginia Giuffre – an alleged victim of late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – accused him of sexual assault. Andrew denied all allegations and they settled the lawsuit outside of court in 2022.

He paid an undisclosed sum to Giuffre and lost his honorary military affiliations and royal patronages. Since then, he has remained out of the royal spotlight.

The newest claims that Andrew had a friendship with an alleged spy, has once again thrust the Duke of York into the limelight.

Yang Tengbo, who was banned from UK in 2023 but has denied being a spy, received an invite to Andrew’s 60th birthday party and became the founder-partner of the Chinese arm of the duke’s Pitch at Palace initiative.

Duke of York branded ‘hapless victim’

According to the Daily Mail, the last governor of British Hong Kong Lord Patten branded the Duke of York a “hapless victim”.

Lord Patten said: “He is a hapless victim of United Front Chinese communist Party operatives activity in this country.”

He also said: “I don’t think Andrew has large numbers of state secrets.”

His new book, The Hong Kong Diaries, details his time as a governor of the British colony, and is where he reveals his opinions on Prince Andrew.

Despite the claims, Andrew’s rep had said following “advice” he “ceased all contact” with the Chinese businessman.

The update comes after King Charles reportedly feels concern over his brother after all of the scandals he has faced.

King Charles’ ‘concern’ for brother Andrew

Recently, Prince Andrew was also reported to the police for allegedly using a false name to register a company. The CEO of Republic – an anti-monarchy campaign group – Graham Smith reported him.

According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, Charles, 76, might feel worried about his brother and even referenced Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship breakdown.

She told the Mirror: “Nothing is going to change the fact that Andrew is Charles’ brother. The family already has two totally estranged brothers. It doesn’t need anymore.”

Jennie continued: “So I think this is a year when the king will try to keep the situation with Andrew calm and under control. A lot depends on what, if any, further stories or allegations are made against the duke in the coming months.”

She added: “Kicking a man when he’s down can take a dangerous toll on mental health.”