Prince Edward and his wife Sophie were set for an “unhappy” Christmas thanks to disgraced brother Andrew, before a change in his plans.

The couple were initially planned to be placed with the Duke of York in Sandringham for the festive period, much to their chagrin. However their festive plans took a turn for the better, as far as they were concerned, when Andrew decided not to attend after becoming embroiled in yet another scandal – this time over a Chinese spy.

Prince Edward and Sophie were said to have been “less than pleased” when initially told the plans at being “cheek by jowl with the Yorks”, reported the Sun. Instead, Andrew will spend a lonely Christmas in Royal Lodge, with only ex wife Sarah for company, while the rest of the family enjoy themselves at Sandringham.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were said to have been less than impressed at the original plan ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
This week a Royal expert suggested the Duke of York is likely to be “extremely upset” he won’t be joining the rest of the Royal Family for their traditional Christmas festivities at Sandringham. Speaking to OK! Magazine , former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: “Andrew would have had to be living on another planet to be unaware of the furore surrounding his association with an alleged spy.

“Just as the year is set to end on a high for the Royal Family – with the King and Princess of Wales greeting the crowds on Christmas Day – along comes another embarrassing row involving the Duke of York. 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 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.”

Andrew’s decision comes amid links to an alleged Chinese spy. The Duke of York is currently scrutiny over his relationship with the businessman, known as H6, who has been banned from the UK over spying concerns.

Andrew said he “ceased all contact” with the accused businessman when concerns were first raised about him in a statement from his office. Royals are claimed to be furious after he became involved in the fresh scandal.

H6, a 50-year-old businessman is alleged to have used his links with Andrew to secure invites to high-profile events and royal residences . According to The Sunday Times he visited Buckingham Palace twice as the Duke’s guest, as well as attending events at St James’s Palace and Windsor Palace.