A Chinese businessman described as a “close confidant” of Prince Andrew has lost his appeal against a decision to bar him from entering the UK on national security grounds.

The individual, referred to as H6 for legal reasons, was banned from entering the UK in March 2023. He challenged the decision at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC), a court that handles cases involving national security concerns.

H6 reportedly formed a close relationship with Prince Andrew, attending the prince’s birthday party in 2020 and being authorized to act on his behalf in dealings with potential investors in China. Buckingham Palace declined to comment, stating that they do not represent the prince, who is no longer a working royal.

The court upheld the decision by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman, concluding that H6 posed a risk to national security. The ruling cited concerns that H6’s connections could be exploited for political interference by the Chinese state.

Evidence presented included communications between H6 and a senior adviser to Prince Andrew. In one letter found on H6’s electronic devices, the adviser described H6 as sitting “at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on,” and referenced facilitating discreet meetings at Windsor.

Another document included “talking points” for a call with Prince Andrew, warning H6 to “manage expectations” as the prince was in a “desperate situation.” The court also found that H6 had been given permission to represent Prince Andrew in engagements with Chinese investors.

The Home Office and MI5 alleged that H6 was associated with the United Front Work Department (UFWD), a branch of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tasked with influence operations. MI5 expressed concerns about China’s efforts to exert political influence in the UK through well-funded and patient campaigns.

The court concluded that H6 had gained an “unusual degree of trust” from Prince Andrew, who was “under considerable pressure” and vulnerable to exploitation. This relationship, the judges ruled, could have been leveraged for covert influence by the Chinese state.

Prince Andrew has faced intense public scrutiny in recent years, stepping back from royal duties in 2019 following backlash over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He later settled a high-profile sexual assault case brought by Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s accusers, although he denies the allegations.

More recently, reports have surfaced that King Charles III has cut off financial support for his brother, including ceasing funding for his security and personal allowance.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about foreign interference in the UK and adds another layer of controversy to Prince Andrew’s troubled public image.