Duke of York said to have pulled out of Buckingham Palace event after controversy over links to Chinese ‘spy’

The Duke of York will not attend the royal family’s traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on Thursday amid controversy over his links with an alleged Chinese spy.

Prince Andrew is said to have decided to pull out of the occasion after speaking to his ex-wife and close friend, Sarah, Duchess of York. He had already withdrawn from joining senior royals at Sandringham for the festive period.