Duke of York Prince Andrew to stay away from Christmas at Sandringham after links to alleged spy

The Duke of York is to stay away from the royal family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham this year amid the controversy surrounding his links to an alleged Chinese spy.

Andrew will miss what was expected to be one of the largest festive events at his brother, the King’s private estate, where 45 members of their family had been expected to spend Christmas Day.

The duke has hit the headlines once again this week after a High Court hearing revealed alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK, was said to have been a “close” confidant of Andrew.

The duke’s ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York will also miss Christmas at Sandringham, in what will be seen as a show of solidarity for her former husband.

The pair are said to be preparing to spend the day together at Royal Lodge, the home they still share in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire.

It is not yet known whether the duke will attend Charles’s traditional pre-Christmas lunch for the extended family at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have young families, had already planned to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws this year for the first time, sources said.