Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has reportedly decided to skip this year’s traditional Royal Family Christmas gathering at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Instead, he will stay at his home in Windsor with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson. The decision comes amid a recent scandal surrounding an alleged Chinese spy, Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK last week due to claims of espionage.
Tengbo, a businessman with ties to Andrew through their business dealings, denied allegations that he spied on the royal. A letter from Dominic Hampshire, Andrew’s senior adviser, highlighting their close relationship sparked controversy, with some calling for Andrew to distance himself from the family gathering.
Ferguson was said to have urged Andrew and Tengbo to avoid attending the event. The couple’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will spend the holidays away from Sandringham, reportedly planning to be with their in-laws instead.
The decision not to attend has led some to speculate that Andrew is trying to avoid becoming a distraction from the family gathering. His team stated that he had “ceased all contact” with Tengbo and denied any sensitive discussions took place between them.
Source: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/prince-andrew-has-decided-to-honorably-withdraw-from-family-christmas-with-king-charles