Prince Andrew says he “ceased all contact” with a business partner and friend who was accused of being a Chinese spy once the British government raised concerns. The Duke of York had reportedly invited the businessman to his birthday party and tried to tap him for money as he sought partners for a financial fund,

A London immigration court upheld a ban on a Chinese citizen described as a “close confidant” of the prince’s, on the grounds of national security.

A statement from the Duke of York's office said the pair had met through "official channels" and had never discussed anything of a "sensitive nature".