A Chinese businessman described as a “close confidant” of the Duke of York has lost an appeal against a decision to bar him from the UK on national security grounds.

The man, known only as H6, brought the case after being banned from entering the country in March 2023.

Judges heard the businessman had formed a close working relationship with Prince Andrew, receiving an invite to his birthday party in 2020 and being told he could act on his behalf when dealing with potential investors in China.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment, saying only that they do not act for the prince, who is not a working royal.