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.

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 Chinese businessman who had forged close links with Prince Andrew and was authorized to act on his behalf to seek investors in China has been banned from Britain on national security grounds.