|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
An alleged Chinese spy, who developed an “unusual degree of trust” with Prince Andrew, has been barred from re-entering the UK following a ruling by the country’s Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC), a national security court.
The individual, identified only as H6, is described as a “close confidant” of the Duke of York. H6 appealed the decision to ban him from the UK in March 2023 but was unsuccessful. According to court findings, H6 was involved in activities that posed a threat to UK national security.
H6’s Connections to Prince Andrew
The court heard that H6 had received an invitation to Prince Andrew’s birthday party in 2020 and was authorized to represent the prince in discussions with potential investors in China. Documents found on H6’s electronic devices revealed that he was highly trusted within the prince’s inner circle.
A letter addressed to H6 stated, “Outside of [the prince’s] closest confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on.” It also suggested H6 facilitated discreet meetings at Windsor and included talking points for a call with the prince. One document warned H6 to “manage expectations” as Prince Andrew was “in a desperate situation and will grab onto anything.”
National Security Concerns
UK intelligence agencies, including MI5, assessed that H6 was leveraging his relationship with Prince Andrew to establish links between Chinese officials and prominent UK figures, potentially enabling political interference. The Security Service suspected H6 was connected to the United Front Work Department (UFWD), a branch of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tasked with conducting influence operations abroad.
The then-Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, banned H6 from the UK after MI5 raised concerns about the contents of his devices, obtained during a border search in November 2021. In the ruling, judges supported Braverman’s decision, stating she was justified in concluding that H6 posed a national security risk and his exclusion was proportionate.
The SIAC noted that H6 had built trust with Prince Andrew during a period of vulnerability, making the prince susceptible to undue influence. Security officials suggested Beijing might have been attempting an “elite capture” strategy to exploit high-profile individuals for political gain.
Chinese Embassy Response
In response to the ruling, the Chinese Embassy in the UK dismissed the allegations as “baseless ‘spy’ stories” aimed at smearing China. A spokesperson urged the UK to stop spreading the “China threat” narrative and emphasized China’s commitment to fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Prince Andrew’s Past Controversies
Prince Andrew has faced scrutiny over his judgment and financial dealings in recent years. Previously serving as the UK’s trade envoy, he stepped down in 2011 following criticism over his associations, including with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In 2019, Prince Andrew ceased royal duties after public backlash over his ties to Epstein. Questions about his finances resurfaced after he settled a civil sexual assault lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers, for a reported multimillion-pound sum.
Currently, King Charles no longer funds Prince Andrew, raising questions about his ability to maintain his lifestyle, including the costly upkeep of the Royal Lodge.
Broader Implications of Chinese Influence in the UK
Former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat described the case as “extremely embarrassing,” highlighting Beijing’s efforts to exert influence across social, academic, industrial, and financial sectors in the UK. Tugendhat warned that the UFWD frequently engages in espionage and influence operations, aiming to pressure or manipulate individuals in positions of power.
