Prince Andrew has been branded a “hapless victim” in a strong defence issued for the disgraced Duke of York.
The Duke of York fell under scrutiny towards the end of last year when his connections to an alleged Chinese spy came to light.
As a result, Prince Andrew cancelled his plans to spend Christmas at Sandringham with the Royal Family.
He instead remained at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.
Prince Andrew branded a ‘hapless victim’ as disgraced Duke of York defended over link to alleged spy
Getty
Yang Tengbo, the alleged spy, has denied claims of espionage, adding that they are “entirely untrue”.
In a rare statement, the Duke of York said he had “ceased all contact” with Yang following the Government’s advice.
Christmas was a bleak occasion for Andrew, who celebrated the occasion away from the public eye, King Charles, and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Chris Patten, the last Governor of British Hong Kong, is one of the few public figures to have since voiced his sympathy for the beleaguered duke.
Chris Patten has issued a strong defence of the Duke of York
Getty
He made his comments during a trip to The Oldie magazine’s literary luncheon at the National Liberal Club.
Patten told the Mail: “He is a hapless victim of United Front [Chinese Communist Party operatives] activity in this country.
“I don’t think Andrew has large numbers of state secrets.”
The former Tory chairman has released a new book titled “The Hong Kong Diaries,” detailing his time as Governor of the former British colony.
Chris Patten at a press conference on Hong Kong in Beijing in 1992
Getty
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Tengbo was described as a ‘close confidant’ of Prince AndrewGB News
Prince Andrew stepped down as a working royal in 2019 following his disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis.
He has since retreated from public life, only emerging at family gatherings like Easter Sunday and funerals.
Following the “Chinese spy” scandal, royal commentators have predicted that Prince Andrew will continue to recuse himself from public Royal Family events.