Prince Andrew faces renewed scrutiny after being linked to Yang Tengbo, a Chinese national barred from Britain on national security grounds. A U.K. court revealed that Andrew developed an “unusual degree of trust” with Yang, who British intelligence feared was seeking influence over prominent figures, including the royal family.

Yang, labeled a “risk to national security,” was banned from entering the U.K. in March 2023. Despite Yang’s denial of any wrongdoing, court records show that he attended Andrew’s 60th birthday in 2020 and could represent the prince in engagements with Chinese investors. Andrew’s office stated he “ceased all contact” once concerns surfaced, emphasizing no sensitive discussions occurred.

The court noted Yang’s efforts to connect with influential U.K. politicians and figures, raising fears of potential political interference. Photos of Yang with former British Prime Ministers Theresa May and David Cameron have surfaced, though the context remains unclear.

Prince Andrew pictured with alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo during a 2017 visit to China.

This marks another damaging revelation for Andrew, whose royal ties were severed in 2022 following his settlement with Virginia Giuffre over allegations of sexual abuse, which he continues to deny. Giuffre accused Andrew of abuse in the 1990s, facilitated by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who remains jailed for sex trafficking crimes.

Andrew’s ties to Yang add to a growing list of high-profile espionage concerns involving China. Earlier this year, Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, was charged with conspiring to act as a Chinese agent and engaging in money laundering. Sun and her husband allegedly received millions in exchange for covertly aiding Beijing. Both have pleaded not guilty.

While Yang denies being a spy, his association with Andrew amplifies ongoing concerns about foreign influence and the prince’s repeated controversies.