Prince Andrew told to 'uninvite himself' from Christmas party after Chinese spy row

Prince Andrew has been advised to "uninvite himself" from an upcoming pre-Christmas gathering with the Royal Family following a controversy involving a Chinese spy, which has left him appearing "a complete t*t".

The 64 year old is expected to join his family for a pre-Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace this Thursday. However, sources suggest that the prince should consider stepping back from public view, leaving his brother, King Charles, to decide on his attendance.

According to The Times, the Duke of York is anticipated to be present at both the Christmas lunch and the Royal Family's traditional walk to church on Christmas Day. Yet, recent court revelations about his links to an alleged Chinese spy, now barred from the UK over national security issues, have cast a shadow over his participation.

The businessman in question, aged 50 and granted anonymity, reportedly visited Buckingham Palace twice as Prince Andrew's guest and attended events at St James's Palace and Windsor Castle.

Approximately 50 members of the extended Royal Family are expected at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. But a source informed The Sun that Andrew "is under pressure to step away.", reports Surrey Live.

Concerns linger that Andrew's presence might overshadow the celebrations, and sources at The Times indicate that the King believes his brother is "bound in blood" to the royals, making him hesitant to prohibit Andrew from the festivities.

An insider confided to The Sun about the Royal predicament, mentioning: "There would inevitably have to be some very awkward conversations and the King would not relish making his brother squirm. Andrew has managed the unthinkable and made a complete t*t of himself even before the Christmas party."

They added, "It's been a hell of a year for The Firm and the last thing they want is this scandal dragging on during a period of celebration. The thinking is he's been foolish, but the more he keeps his head down the sooner everyone can move on."

Andrew has been identified as a "close confidante" of the enigmatic spy noted only as H6. This is just the latest in a string of issues entangling the prince, who stepped back from his Royal duties in 2019 due to his connection with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Last week, the prince issued a statement indicating that he was "unable to comment further on matters relating to national security". He did, however, confirm that he had "ceased contact" with the individual in question.

This week, Labour peer Lord Foulkes of Cumnock suggested a review of Andrew's role as a trade envoy should be conducted. His lordship observed: "He took several trips to China on behalf of the government and would have been introduced to senior government and business figures. In the light of recent revelations, it becomes even more urgent for his relationships with Chinese officials to be examined in detail."

Buckingham Palace has been solicited for their stance on the matter.