Prince Andrew says he “ceased all contact” with a businessman accused of being a Chinese spy after concerns were raised with him by the government.
In a statement from his office, the Duke of York said he had cut ties following “advice” from officials but insisted the pair had never discussed anything of a “sensitive nature”.
It marks the first public comment from the royal since it emerged on Thursday that his alleged “close confidant” – who has not been named – had been barred from entering the UK over national security risks.
The statement said: “The Duke of York followed advice from HMG and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised.
“The duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed.
“He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security.”
Known as H6, the man was invited to the royal’s birthday party in 2020, and was told by Andrew‘s aide Dominic Hampshire that he could help in potential dealings with Chinese investors.
He was first excluded from entering the country in 2023 over national security fears by Suella Braverman, who was then home secretary.
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In July that year, the Home Office said H6 was considered to have engaged in “covert and deceptive activity” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.
H6 argued it was unlawful and made an appeal to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. The Chinese embassy in the UK also denied the allegations.
Judges upheld the ban on H6 entering the country on Thursday, arguing the Duke of York could have been made “vulnerable” by his influence.
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