In a startling revelation, newly released tribunal documents have shed light on Prince Andrew's clandestine meetings with King Charles III regarding an investment fund linked to Yang Tengbo, an alleged Chinese spy. The documents, made public on April 4, 2025, include a witness statement from Andrew's former senior adviser, Dominic Hampshire, detailing interactions that took place in Windsor Castle under the radar of the media.
Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, was barred from entering the UK in March 2023 on national security grounds. Officials alleged he had the potential to cultivate relationships between significant UK figures and senior Chinese officials, raising concerns about political interference. Yang has consistently maintained his innocence, stating he has “done nothing wrong or unlawful.” His challenge against the exclusion was dismissed by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) last year, which noted that he was a "close confidant" of Prince Andrew, having gained an unusual degree of trust from the Duke.
According to Hampshire's statement, the purpose of the meetings with the King was to discuss proposals for independent funding, particularly the Eurasia Fund. This fund was described by Yang as a vehicle to transition Andrew's Pitch@Palace initiative into a more investment-oriented endeavor. Hampshire recounted that they took extensive precautions to ensure their visits to Windsor Castle went unnoticed, stating, "For both these meetings with His Majesty, despite less media interest in the duke, we took all precautions to get in and out of Windsor Castle without being seen."
Notably, Buckingham Palace has denied that Yang was mentioned during these discussions. A spokesperson clarified, "While His Majesty met with the duke and his adviser to hear outline proposals for independent funding over the past year, the individual known as H6 (Yang) was not mentioned at any time or in any way as part of these discussions." This statement suggests a significant discrepancy between the palace's account and Hampshire's testimony.
Hampshire’s 10-page statement, dated May 2024, indicated that the Duke’s reputation was considered “irrecoverable” following his controversial 2019 Newsnight interview regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. He stated, "After the Newsnight interview and in the following few months, it was clear that the duke’s reputation was irrecoverable. This was a common feeling within the royal household, despite what the duke thought may happen." This perception prompted discussions about Andrew’s future away from royal duties.
Hampshire, who served for a decade in the British Army, including as an intelligence officer, emphasized the need for confidentiality due to the constant media scrutiny surrounding Andrew. He described a "documented bombardment of the duke in the media" and noted that the press was ever-watchful of Andrew’s interactions. He remarked, "Every time the duke does anything, the media attempts to destroy or at very least, malign him, often via individuals who leak documents or intel to the press."
In his testimony, Hampshire also defended Yang, stating that he had never perceived any red flags during their five-year acquaintance. He emphasized that Yang was crucial for the Duke’s business endeavors in China, particularly in relation to the Pitch@Palace initiative, which aimed to support entrepreneurs. Hampshire stated, "Yang did not desert the Duke, and felt Pitch@Palace China could continue," highlighting Yang's role as a founder-partner of the initiative.
Furthermore, Hampshire revealed that Yang had assisted him in drafting letters to Chinese President Xi Jinping, including correspondence related to the Eurasia Fund. He acknowledged that these communications were often carefully crafted to navigate cultural differences and maintain a beneficial relationship.
Despite the serious allegations surrounding Yang, Hampshire insisted that the communications were benign, referring to them as "top-level nothingness." He explained that the letters to Xi included annual birthday greetings and were part of a broader strategy to promote the Pitch@Palace initiative in China. Hampshire remarked, "It may be fair to say that perhaps even encouraged – it was an open channel of communication that was useful to have."
The documents also reveal that MI5 had previously briefed Sir Edward Young, the late Queen's private secretary, about Andrew's connections to Yang. This briefing occurred shortly after Yang was detained at an airport in November 2021, where he surrendered his electronic devices to security services. Hampshire recounted a meeting with Young, where he expressed concern about Yang's influence, stating, "Chris [Yang] is pretty much our only avenue for the Duke moving forward and arguably the only light at the end of the tunnel for him."
In a twist, Hampshire later expressed regret about the public release of his witness statement, asserting that he had sought to keep the details confidential to protect the integrity of his interactions with Buckingham Palace and intelligence services. He stated, "The desire to keep my witness statement out of the media was solely to protect the confidential interactions I had with Buckingham Palace and the intelligence services."
As the fallout from these revelations continues, the implications for Prince Andrew and his association with Yang remain significant. The Duke's reputation, already tarnished, faces further scrutiny as the public and media digest the details of his dealings with an individual linked to espionage allegations. Meanwhile, Yang has indicated plans to appeal the decision barring him from the UK, asserting his commitment to clear his name.
In summary, the case surrounding Yang Tengbo and his relationship with Prince Andrew reveals a complex web of royal intrigue, national security concerns, and the ongoing challenges faced by the Duke of York as he navigates his post-royal life.
