Prince Andrew to stay away from British royal family Christmas gathering after links to alleged spy

Andrew will miss what was expected to be one of the largest festive events at King Charles's private Norfolk estate

The Duke of York will not be at Sandringham this year. Picture: Joe Giddens/PA

Prince Andrew is to stay away from the British royal family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham this year amid the controversy surrounding his links to an alleged Chinese spy.

Andrew will miss what was expected to be one of the largest festive events at his brother, King Charles's private Norfolk estate, where 45 members of their family had been expected to spend Christmas Day.