The controversy surrounding Prince Andrew intensified in December when it was reported that he had a longstanding and increasingly close association with Yang, a key figure who has since been linked to a Chinese espionage scandal. As the Duke of York and the brother of King Charles, Andrew was already a subject of public scrutiny due to his previous ties with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to testimony from former aide Hampshire, Yang had become Andrew’s “only light at the end of the tunnel,” the BBC reported.
Yang not only built a friendship with Andrew but also took on a significant role as an adviser in the prince’s business affairs, especially in efforts to attract Chinese investment for the Eurasia Fund project. Documents also indicate there was a “communication channel” linking Prince Andrew to Chinese President Xi Jinping, which included annual exchanges of birthday greetings.
Hampshire further testified that King Charles had been made aware of Prince Andrew’s ventures. “I have had two meetings with the Duke and His Majesty to discuss how the Duke might proceed in a way that would be acceptable to His Majesty,” Hampshire stated, as reported by the Associated Press. He also noted that in both meetings, the Eurasia Fund and related investors were among the topics discussed.
In response to the media reports and public concern, Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Friday acknowledging King Charles had met with Prince Andrew and his adviser to review proposals for independent financial support. However, the palace firmly denied any involvement of Yang in those discussions.
“His Majesty met with the Duke and his adviser over the past year to review preliminary proposals for independent funding,” the statement clarified. “At no point was the individual in question [Yang] mentioned or referenced in any form during those conversations,” the palace emphasized.
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