Prince Andrew’s relationship with an alleged Chinese spy has come under renewed scrutiny after British courts released documents detailing his connection to Yang Tengbo, a Chinese businessman banned from the UK on national security grounds.
The 10-page statement, dated May 2024 and written by Dominique Hampshire, a former aide to the prince, was among documents released following requests from multiple media outlets. The files are linked to Yang’s failed appeal against his exclusion from the UK in December 2024.
Yang, who cofounded Pitch@Palace China, a regional offshoot of the duke’s global entrepreneurship initiative, reportedly built a close working relationship with Prince Andrew. The documents reveal that Yang was even authorised to act on the prince’s behalf in business meetings with potential Chinese investors.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman told Parliament in December that Yang was banned on the advice of MI5, citing concerns he posed a threat to national security. Yang denies all allegations of wrongdoing.
According to Hampshire, Yang played a key role in helping Prince Andrew draft letters to Chinese President Xi Jinping, related to the Eurasia Fund an initiative aimed at transforming Pitch@Palace into an investment focused entity. Hampshire claimed that the royal household, including the late Queen, was aware of this communication, which he described as “open” and “useful.”
Hampshire also revealed that he had met with both Prince Andrew and King Charles twice in the six months prior to his statement, discussing the duke’s future and the potential of the Eurasia Fund. However, Buckingham Palace confirmed the meetings but denied that Yang was ever mentioned.
Despite his involvement, Hampshire stressed that Yang also known as Chris never had direct access to the duke, lacking his personal contact information and operating through intermediaries, as was standard practice.
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