An alleged Chinese spy who forged a close relationship with Prince Andrew has been identified by a British court, the latest twist in a case that has shone a light on Beijing’s influence inside Britain’s institutions.

A Chinese national with close links to Prince Andrew said he had done nothing wrong and was not a spy, after the businessman was named in court as being a suspected Chinese agent by the British authorities.

The businessman has been banned from Britain on security grounds but is understood to have visited Buckingham Palace and met two former Prime Ministers

Mr Yang said the description of him as a spy was "entirely untrue".

In a statement from his office, Andrew, also known as the Duke of York, said he accepted government advice and ceased all contact with the Chinese national as soon as concerns were raised.

The UK government Monday voiced growing concerns over allegations of espionage by China, as a Chinese businessman with links to disgraced Prince Andrew denied being a spy.Last week details emerged about Andrew's relationship with Yang Tengbo,

Sir Keir Starmer admitted he had concerns about China but defended his approach to engaging with Beijing. At a press conference in Norway, the PM was asked about the case of the alleged spy known as H6 who had close ties with the Duke of York.