Prince Andrew Faces New Scrutiny as Tribunal Orders Release of Key Documents in Chinese Spy Case
Another week, another scandal tightening the noose around Prince Andrew’s embattled reputation. A London tribunal has ruled that private correspondence between Andrew’s top aide and an alleged Chinese spy must be made public within a fortnight, further escalating concerns over the Duke of York’s dealings with foreign interests.
A Royal Adviser’s Connection to an Alleged Spy
The ruling comes after a Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) hearing last year, during which Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo was expelled from the United Kingdom on national security grounds.
According to British authorities, Yang cultivated an “unusual degree of trust” with Prince Andrew and leveraged connections with British politicians and officials, allegedly for the benefit of China’s Communist Party.
The tribunal’s decision specifically orders the disclosure of a witness statement from Dominic Hampshire, one of Prince Andrew’s closest advisers and confidants. Hampshire was compelled to submit the statement following Yang’s deportation, as investigators sought to understand the depth of the relationship between the Duke, his aide, and the Chinese businessman.
Yang denies all allegations, insisting he never engaged in unlawful activities.
Judges Reject Confidentiality Claims
Media organizations have been demanding access to key documents in the case, arguing that the British public deserves full transparency regarding potential national security risks involving a senior member of the Royal Family.
On Friday, a three-judge panel ruled that large portions of Hampshire’s witness statement and commercial information tied to Yang must be disclosed.
In their 25-page judgment, Mr. Justice Bourne, Judge Stephen Smith, and Sir Stewart Eldon rejected arguments that Hampshire’s testimony should remain sealed:
“Substantial parts of the witness statement contain material which cannot possibly be said to be confidential, such as information about Mr. Hampshire’s background or about how he came to know Mr. Yang.”
“There are also comments about Mr. Hampshire’s work with the Duke, which might seem embarrassing or indiscreet, but they are not such as to give rise to the inference that a legal duty of confidentiality attaches to them.”
The judges also ruled that Yang’s business dealings could be publicly disclosed, citing:
“There is substantial public interest in reporting of international trading activity involving UK companies and in any involvement of any member of the Royal family in that activity.”
What Happens Next?
The tribunal has ordered the documents to be released by April 4, setting the stage for potentially damaging revelations about Prince Andrew’s ties to Yang and broader concerns over his financial entanglements.
While the Duke of York has remained silent, this latest development adds to his long list of controversies, including his disastrous Jeffrey Epstein scandal and his removal from royal duties following public backlash.
As the deadline for document disclosure looms, the British public and media are eagerly anticipating what new details will emerge—and whether the Royal Family will be forced to confront another crisis.
