Alison Hammond criticised for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor comment following his arrest
The former prince was arrested on Thursday
TV presenter Alison Hammond has faced some backlash after making a remark about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest during a live broadcast of daytime show, This Morning.
The presenter was discussing the breaking news that Andrew had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday when she questioned the timing of the police action, which coincided with the former prince’s 66th birthday.
Alison Hammond faces backlash over comment about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
On Thursday, February 19, Thames Valley Police confirmed that “a man in his sixties from Norfolk” had been arrested and that searches were being carried out at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
“As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the force said in a statement. “The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance.”
They could’ve done it yesterday, the day before his birthday.
Andrew was not named by police. However, the arrest reportedly took place at a property on the Sandringham Estate where he is currently residing.
During the ITV broadcast on Thursday, This Morning host Alison remarked: “Surely they could’ve done it yesterday, the day before his birthday. But what will happen next for him?”
However, Alison’s comment quickly sparked criticism online.
One user wrote on X: “Alison Hammond on TM saying police could have arrested Andrew yesterday & not on his bday… she appears to defend him because it’s his birthday #thismorning #shameful.” [Sic]
Another added: “Alison saying ‘surely they didn’t have to arrest him on his birthday.’ What a weird comment.”
A third questioned: “They shouldn’t arrest him on his birthday?”
Others described the remark as “unprofessional”, “stupid” and “out of touch”.
Royal Insider has contacted representatives for Alison for comment.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
The former prince is currently being held in custody after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The specific details of the allegations of misconduct being investigated are unknown.
However, scrutiny has been mounting over Andrew’s association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the recent release of millions of files relating to the disgraced financier last month.
Following the release of files, Andrew was accused of sharing sensitive and confidential information with Epstein regarding his official work as a UK trade envoy.
He served as a UK trade envoy between 2001 and 2011. In 2010, Andrew allegedly forwarded official reports from trade visits to Epstein, according to the files.
Trade envoys are bound by duties of confidentiality, even after leaving office.
Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. His arrest does not imply guilt and no charges have been confirmed.
Andrew stepped back from public duties in 2019 following intense scrutiny over his association with Epstein. In 2022, he settled a sexual assault lawsuit brought by the late Virginia Giuffre.
Ms Giuffre alleged she was made to have sex with Andrew on three separate occasions when she was 17 after being trafficked by Epstein.
Andrew has always denied the allegations. He insisted that the out of court settlement was not an admission of liability.
Last October, he was stripped of his remaining royal titles and honours. Earlier this year, he vacated Royal Lodge in Windsor. He has since been living at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate.
Read more: Queen Camilla heckled over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest
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