Christmas is one of the rare occasions when families get together, but this year, Prince Andrew will spend time with his ex-wife only. A few blurry images of him arriving at the Palace could overshadow what should have been a peaceful afternoon, especially after a challenging year for the royal family. Princess Beatrice and her sister, Eugenie, made headlines with their surprise appearance at Buckingham Palace's pre-Christmas lunch. They appeared to be openly supportive of the monarchy, although their father, Prince Andrew, and mother, Sarah Ferguson, declined to attend the family event.

The Princess of Wales shared a touching video featuring clips from her famous Christmas carol service on December 22. Catherine appeared to recognise Beatrice as she included footage of herself, her husband and their son entering Westminster Abbey. Princess Beatrice had originally planned to spend Christmas abroad with her husband's family, but she had to adjust her plans due to medical advice against travelling during her pregnancy.

She is expecting her second child, who will be a sister to three-year-old daughter Sienna and a half-sibling to Eduardo's son Wolfie. As a result, Beatrice and her family will join King Charles and Queen Camilla for their annual celebrations at Sandringham. Meanwhile, Eugenie will continue with her usual plans. Both sisters are said to be working out a resolution with senior royals over their father's controversy. A veteran reporter noted that Prince Andrew often finds good advice, but admitted that he realised that attending Sandringham would be an embarrassing distraction this year.

This should focus on King Charles. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is said to have firmly rejected an offer to invite Andrew to her Christmas service, marking the second year in a row that he has been excluded. The exclusion highlights his weakened standing in the eyes of King Charles and Queen Catherine. The Princess’s Christmas service represents a high-profile family gathering in the run-up to Christmas. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew faces renewed scrutiny over his alleged links to a Chinese businessman accused of spying.

Recent reports suggest that a close associate of Andrew’s, known for his poor judgment, is accused of being a Chinese spy who has been banned from entering the UK on national security grounds. The situation was made worse when the spy, Yang, who Andrew had reportedly been looking for Chinese investors in a fund he wanted, also claimed to be an agent for Prince Andrew.