Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson pulled out of Christmas celebrations with the Royal Family after the Duke of York's links to an alleged Chinese spy came to light. Andrew said he had "ceased all contact" with businessman, Yang Tengbo, who was found to have forged links with Andrew and mixed with former Prime Ministers.

The Duke of York, his ex-wife and youngest daughter were notable absentees from the Christmas Day walkabout with the royals in Norfolk

Speaking on Mail+'s "Palace Confidential," royal editor Rebecca English explained, " Sarah, the Duchess of York has literally saved Christmas for the Royal Family." English also noted, "If it hadn't have been for his ex-wife having a quiet word in his ear," then the holiday season could have been pretty disastrous.

Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson and their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will not attend King Charles' Christmas gathering at Sandringham amid the latest furor surrounding the Duke of York.

Despite the fact he was originally expecting to spend the festive period with the Royal Family and ex wife Sarah Ferguson, this plan changed last week after the Duke of York, 64, became involved in yet another scandal following his friendship with Chinese businessman Yang Tengbo, who is now suspected to be a spy.

Prince Andrew has been spotted amid staying away from the Royal Family's Christmas celebrations in Sandringham after becoming embroiled in a scandal involving an alleged Chinese spy

Ferguson, widely known as Fergie, is the ex-wife of King Charles's brother, Prince Andrew. While she and Andrew divorced in the 1990s, she retained her title as Duchess of York and the two have continued to live together at the Royal Lodge in Windsor,