Prince Andrew's daughters seek best solution for father

Prince Andrew's daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were likely involved while he discussed his situation with former wife Sarah Ferguson.

According to a British media report they might have  discussed the "best solution" for Prince Andrew who has been under media scrutiny over links with an alleged Chinese spy.

The report came as Andrew skipped a pre-Christmas lunch hosted by King Charles. His daughters were seen attending the event on Thursday.

GB News reported that The Duke of York will also not be joining fellow members of the Royal Family for their annual Christmas celebrations at Sandringham next week.

According to the media outlet royal commentator Jennie Bond said  King Charles would have “hated” to uninvite him from the Sandringham gathering.

The commentator added, “The King is a kind soul and Andrew is his brother: he would have hated to be put in the position of having to un-invite him or ban him from what promises to be a big family get-together.

"It seems quite likely that Andrew sat down with Fergie, and possibly his daughters, to discuss the best solution.

"Thankfully, wise heads have prevailed and he obviously realised that his presence at Sandringham would be an embarrassing distraction on a day which - this year of all years - should be all about the King and Catherine.”

In a court ruling last week, it was disclosed that the businessman, known only as H6, had been banned from Britain on national security grounds because the authorities suspected he was working clandestinely for Beijing to forge close contacts with prominent British figures.

Last Friday, Andrew issued a statement to the BBC and other media in which he said he had "ceased all contact" with the individual, described in the court documents as a "close confidant", once concerns were raised.

"The duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed," the statement said.

However, questions about the case have continued to dominate British front pages and news broadcasts.