The last thing the royals need this Christmas
Prince Andrew's latest controversy is poorly timed for a festive gathering
Hi everyone, it’s Emily here with my weekly newsletter.
It’s been another week full of festive cheer for the royal family, following on from the Princess of Wales’s magical Together at Christmas carol service last Friday..
There have been jolly outings for the King and Queen, Prince William, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their cousin Zara Tindall.
And we’ve also learned some intriguing details about the family’s plans for Christmas at Sandringham this year, more of which in a moment.
But just when you think it’s safe to hang up your stocking and ask Santa for heartwarming royal stories only, some less welcome news has landed.
Notably another brush with scandal for the Duke of York, who has been linked to a suspected Chinese spy.
The businessman, who has not been named, was described in the High Court as a “close confidant” of Prince Andrew as judges upheld a decision to ban him from the UK.
In a rare statement, the Duke has said he “ceased all contact” with the businessman when concerns were first raised about him by the Government.
The statement said he had met the individual through “official channels” and that “nothing of a sensivite nature was ever discussed.”
But it’s the last thing the royal family needs after a year of hugely challenging health issues.
And while I think the Duke is likely to join his brother the King at Sandringham for Christmas as usual, it could make for an awkward atmosphere around the dining table.