Prince Andrew faces new challenge as court hearing on alleged spy looms

Prince Andrew faces a new setback as legal proceedings related to an alleged Chinese spy linked to him are set to begin. 

According to court listings, a hearing to decide on the anonymity of the accused, referred to only as H6, will take place at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday at 2 p.m.

This development follows the Duke of York’s statement confirming he had “ceased all contact” with the individual after concerns about their activities were raised.

The businessman, described as a “close confidant” of Andrew, was banned from the UK after allegations of espionage emerged.

Former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat weighed in on the controversy, calling the situation “deeply embarrassing.” 

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Tugendhat explained: “The case isn’t entirely straightforward—it may involve a British national under foreign influence—but the optics are undoubtedly damaging.”

The fallout has also implicated other high-profile figures, as H6 is reported to have attended events with former prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May. 

He was photographed alongside senior political figures at various occasions, raising further questions about his access to influential circles.

Monday’s urgent hearing will address whether H6’s identity can be publicly revealed. The session, expected to last around 90 minutes, will be followed by further discussions in Parliament as MPs prepare to scrutinise the matter in the Commons.