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The controversy over an alleged Chinese spy's access to Buckingham Palace as a "close confidant" of King Charles III's younger brother, Prince Andrew, deepened on Sunday with revelations of meetings with former prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May.
The businessman, identified only as "H6" for legal reasons, had gained an "unusual" level of trust from the senior royal, according to a tribunal judge. The Duke of York has since confirmed terminating all contact with the alleged spy.
"David Cameron was leader of the Conservative Party for over a decade and PM for six years. He met thousands of people during that time at hundreds of functions and events. We don't have any further information about this individual," said a source close to Cameron, as reported by 'Sky News'.
A spokesperson for Theresa May indicated that "as such, she doesn't remember when or where this particular photograph was taken or the man in question".
The situation unfolded after H6's UK entry ban due to national security concerns. A Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) hearing in July revealed H6's invitation to Prince Andrew's 2020 birthday celebration and authorisation from a royal aide to represent the Duke in Chinese investment matters.
SIAC records show that former Home Secretary Suella Braverman initially barred H6 from the UK in 2023 over national security issues. The Home Office identified H6's involvement in "covert and deceptive activity" supporting the Chinese Communist Party. Despite H6's denial and appeal, SIAC upheld the decision on Thursday.
Prince Andrew's office said the Duke encountered the individual "through official channels" and "nothing of a sensitive nature was ever discussed".
The Chinese Embassy in the UK rejected the espionage claims, saying that "some individuals in the UK are always eager to fabricate baseless 'spy' stories targeting China". They added, "Their purpose is to smear China and disrupt normal exchanges between Chinese and British personnel".
Former Conservative cabinet minister Gillian Keegan emphasised the need for constant vigilance, noting China's position as a significant strategic threat, surpassing Russia. She highlighted that security guidance regarding China has existed for three decades.
Labour's home secretary Yvette Cooper affirmed the government's commitment to supporting security and intelligence agencies in their ongoing surveillance of potential threats to UK national security.
