A man arrested on suspicion of spying for China was photographed with Princess Beatrice during a nine-day charity trip to Asia in October 2016.
Allegations and Arrests
David Taylor, 39, the husband of Labour MP Joani Reid, was arrested in London on Wednesday morning on suspicion of spying for China. The arrest has prompted Reid to voluntarily suspend herself from Labour while an internal inquiry takes place, though she maintains she has not been accused of wrongdoing and had no knowledge of her husband’s alleged activities.
Taylor was a policy advisor for the Franks Family Foundation, a charity of which Princess Beatrice is a patron, at the time of the trip. Simon Franks, the founder of the foundation, stated that Beatrice “did not know him prior and has not seen him since” and described Taylor as “a kind, charitable and proud Brit.”
Broader Context
This arrest is not the first instance of alleged Chinese espionage involving connections to the British establishment. In 2024, Princess Beatrice’s father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was similarly linked to Yang Tengbo, an alleged Chinese spy who ran a business initiative associated with the Duke of York. Mountbatten-Windsor was recently released under investigation in connection with the Epstein files.
Alongside Taylor, Steve Jones, 68, a former Welsh Government special adviser and Matthew Aplin, 43, a former Labour press officer, were also arrested on Wednesday under the National Security Act and have since been released on bail. Searches were conducted at multiple properties in London, East Kilbride, and Cardiff, including the home of Welsh journalist Martin Shipton and former Labour aide James Robinson.
What Happens Next?
The three men arrested are currently released on bail while investigations continue. It is possible further arrests could be made as authorities continue to investigate potential networks and activities. The internal inquiry within the Labour party regarding Joani Reid’s position could lead to further scrutiny of her involvement, or lack thereof, in her husband’s alleged activities. The investigation could also lead to increased security measures surrounding individuals with access to sensitive information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Taylor?
David Taylor is a 39-year-old man who is the husband of Labour MP Joani Reid. He is currently the head of programs at Asia House and was a policy advisor for the Franks Family Foundation during a 2016 trip to Asia with Princess Beatrice.
What is the Franks Family Foundation?
The Franks Family Foundation is a charity of which Princess Beatrice is a patron. It funds education and public health projects in Laos, Cambodia, and Nepal.
What has been the response from those involved?
Joani Reid has voluntarily suspended herself from Labour while an internal inquiry takes place. She states she has not been accused of wrongdoing and was unaware of her husband’s alleged activities. Simon Franks described himself as “astonished” by Taylor’s arrest.
How will these recent arrests impact public trust in political figures and the Royal Family?
