Prince Andrew did not attend the royal family’s customary pre-Christmas lunch, organized by King Charles at Buckingham Palace. It was reported this week that Prince Andrew, 64, along with his former wife Sarah Ferguson, would be absent from the festive meal due to scrutiny surrounding the Duke’s alleged connections with Yang Tengbo, a Chinese businessman and suspected spy. Andrew is believed to have formed a close relationship with Tengbo, promising him access to the royal family.
Both Andrew and Ferguson, 65, (who divorced in 1996 but maintain a close relationship) will also miss the royal family’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham, as reported by People. Their daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, are expected to join them in skipping the celebration. Nevertheless, the intense focus on their father did not deter the princesses from attending the palace lunch on December 19th.
Prince Andrew Skips King Charles' Christmas Lunch Amid Chinese Spy Scandal Following Sarah Ferguson's Advice to Stay Away
Among those seen heading to the Buckingham Palace Christmas lunch were King Charles, 76, his wife Queen Camilla, his sister Princess Anne with her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, his brother Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh. Also in attendance were Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, along with various other relatives and friends. This comes after Ferguson reportedly told Andrew to "stay away."
As The Royal Observer reports, "the Duchess remains a close confidante to the Duke of York and has reportedly been tasked with persuading him to adopt a lower profile during the holiday season." Palace insiders reveal that Ferguson, lovingly called "Fergie," has embraced her role as mediator with exceptional poise.
Her steady impact on the troubled Duke, the outlet notes, has successfully persuaded him to opt out of the royal family's Christmas festivities at Sandringham. Consequently, Andrew and Fergie will spend the holiday season peacefully at Royal Lodge in Windsor, breaking away from customary practices.
This year is particularly quiet for the York family, as Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 34, are celebrating Christmas with their respective in-laws. The controversy revolves around Andrew's connection with Tengbo, 50, who has been banned from the U.K. for national security reasons. Tengbo, a businessman who attended events at royal residences, is accused of using his relationship with the Duke to gain influence.
This situation has sparked renewed calls for Andrew, who is eighth in line to the throne, to permanently withdraw from public royal duties. By reducing his high-profile appearances, Andrew allegedly aims to divert further criticism. The involvement of the former Duchess of York underscores her unique position within the royal family. Although she is no longer an official member of the monarchy, she continues to support her ex-husband while carefully maintaining the royal family's image.
As The Royal Observer notes, her efforts to mediate have received praise from certain insiders. One dished: "Fergie has an extraordinary ability to navigate delicate family dynamics. She’s the only one who can get through to Andrew."
