Prince Andrew, the British King’s brother who stood back from public life following his disastrous TV interview justifying his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, is in the crosshairs of another scandal concerning his friendship with a man accused of being a Chinese spy.

In a statement from his office, Andrew, also known as the Duke of York, said he accepted government advice and ceased all contact with the Chinese national as soon as concerns were raised.

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.