This year's royal Christmas plans are under heightened scrutiny due to Prince Andrew's alleged links to Yang Tengbo, a Chinese national banned from the UK for national security reasons.

King Charles is hosting a pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace on December 19, 2024, but notable absences have raised eyebrows.

Sources from Kensington Palace confirmed that the decision for the Wales family to skip the lunch was made in advance.

Andrew consulted with Sarah Ferguson, who advised him that skipping the event was the best course of action given the scandal.

The royal family is facing a challenging Christmas this year, marked by personal health issues, including Kate's cancer diagnosis and King Charles's ongoing treatment.

Adding to the family tensions, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not attending any royal Christmas events and are staying in California.

Andrew met Yang through official channels related to his Pitch@Palace initiative but ceased contact when concerns were raised.

Yang Tengbo has denied claims of espionage and maintains that he has committed no wrongdoing, despite being banned from the UK.

Prince Andrew also withdrew from attending the lunch amid ongoing controversy surrounding his alleged connections to Yang Tengbo.

Despite their father's absence, Beatrice and Eugenie were seen arriving at the palace with their husbands, indicating a shift in family dynamics.

Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with their children, have decided not to attend the event, surprising many fans.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward noted that Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are protective of him and likely supported his decision to avoid public events.