Alison Hammond apologises after getting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor accuser Virginia Giuffre's name wrong
Andrew was arrested on ThursdayTV presenter Alison Hammond has apologised to viewers after getting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s accuser Virginia Giuffre’s name wrong in a discussion about his arrest.
On Friday’s episode of daytime show This Morning, Alison and her co-stars discussed Andrew’s arrest on Thursday.
Andrew was arrested on February 19, which coincided with his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The specific details of the allegations of misconduct being investigated are unknown.
On Thursday evening, the former prince was released under investigation.
Why was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested?
On Thursday morning, police arrived on the Sandringham Estate where Andrew is living. News then broke that Andrew had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The specific details of the allegations of misconduct being investigated are unknown.
Scrutiny has been mounting over Andrew’s association with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the US Department of Justice’s 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 documents with Epstein during his time 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.
Under official guidance, trade envoys have a duty of confidentiality over sensitive, commercial, or political information about their official visits.
Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. This arrest should not be seen as any indication of guilt and there are no charges yet.
For some time, Andrew has faced scrutiny over his links to Epstein. He was also accused of sexual assault by the late Virginia Giuffre. She 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 vehemently denied the allegations.
Alison Hammond suffers Virginia Giuffre blunder
On Friday’s This Morning, royal commentator Russell Myers explained what the release means for Andrew.
Andrew hasn’t been charged with any offence. Myers explained that released on investigation means Andrew could be called back any time for questioning.
Discussing Andrew’s arrest, host Alison said: “Shall we talk about some of the victims? The relatives of the late Virginia Guff, who claimed she was trafficked to have sex with Andrew, have shared their reaction. Take a look at this.”
Virginia Giuffre’s family speak out
Footage then played of Virginia’s brother and sister-in-law speaking about Andrew’s arrest. Tragically, Virginia took her own life in April 2025, aged 41.
Her family said on Thursday: “At last, today our broken hearts have been lifted with the news that no one is above the law – not even royalty.
“On behalf of our sister, we extend our gratitude to the UK’s Thames Valley Police in their investigation and arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Sorry, it’s Giuffre, I do apologise.
“He was never a prince. For survivors everywhere, Virginia did this for you.”
It’s worth noting that Andrew has not been arrested for anything surrounding Virginia Giuffre.
As the discussion on This Morning returned, Alison addressed her mistake over Virginia’s name: “Sorry, it’s Giuffre, I do apologise.”
Viewers picked up on the blunder and shared their thoughts on X.
Viewers criticise Alison over blunder
One viewer said: “Alison calling Virginia Giuffre Virginia Guff. Honestly appalling presenter.”
Another wrote: “Why doesn’t Alison research correct pronunciation of people’s names?”
Read more: King Charles issues statement as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested
Someone else added: “Virginia Guff!!??”
On Thursday, Alison also found herself in hot water over a comment she made regarding Andrew’s arrest. She said on This Morning: “Surely they could’ve done it yesterday, the day before his birthday. But what will happen next for him?”
It’s a comment that viewers took issue with, as one person branded it “unprofessional”.
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