Prince Andrew demanded a face-to-face meeting with the director general of MI5, Sir Ken McCallum, to discuss concerns surrounding his close associate, Yang Tengbo - only for it to be cancelled at the last minute, it has been claimed. The Duke of York reportedly made the request in light of revelations about Chinese spy scandal involving Yang, a businessman later banned from the UK following an MI5 investigation.

The Duke sought the meeting to understand the full extent of the security risks related to Yang, who was suspected of links to Chinese intelligence services. However, the meeting, scheduled for June 2024, was called off after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unexpectedly called a general election. Sir Ken’s full attention was required for the election, and the meeting was never rescheduled. A source told The Telegraph: "The Duke was left in the dark about MI5’s concerns, despite his high security clearance.

"It’s clear he wanted to be briefed, especially as his relationship with Yang was becoming a security issue."

Yang was detained in 2021 after his mobile phone revealed he was one of Prince Andrew’s closest confidants.

MI5 had been investigating his connections to the Chinese state, including alleged links to the United Front Work Department, an organisation tasked with influencing foreign figures.

The revelations about Yang raised further concerns when it was revealed that he had been heavily involved in the Duke’s plans for the Eurasia Fund, aimed at securing Chinese investment for renewable energy projects in Africa.

The fund was seen as a potential source of income for Prince Andrew after he stepped back from royal duties due to his ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

MI5’s fears were so great that they even held a briefing with Sir Edward Young, the late Queen’s private secretary, in December 2021. During that meeting, Sir Ken warned that Prince Andrew’s association with Yang posed a serious security threat.

One source familiar with the matter said: "MI5 was clear – this connection with Yang was untenable, especially in light of Prince Andrew's previous controversial associations."

Despite the warnings, Prince Andrew continued his relationship with Yang, despite the fact that the businessman was banned from re-entering the UK in March 2023.

Only after further investigation, and advice from his senior adviser, Dominic Hampshire, did the Duke allegedly distanced himself from Yang.

The incident has been highly embarrassing for the Duke, who hoped to rebuild his reputation after the Epstein scandal.

Buckingham Palace recently denied any knowledge of the Eurasia Fund or the Duke’s dealings with Yang, further complicating his efforts to distance himself from the controversy.

In a statement, Mr Hampshire said: "As soon as the Duke was advised to cease all contact with Mr Yang, he fully complied. He did not receive any funding or support, directly or indirectly, from any Chinese individual or entity."

Express.co.uk has contacted Buckingham Place for comment.