Alison Hammond is facing criticism online after making a ‘weird comment’ about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest while hosting This Morning.
The ITV star was presenting the TV show with Dermot O’Leary when the news broke that the disgraced former royal had been arrested at his Sandringham home this morning.
Talking about the story with Dermot, along with Nick Ferrari and Sonia Sodha, the former Big Brother star briefly mentioned how the police’s decision to arrest Andrew was unprecedented.
However, she then added how surprised she was that the police had made their arrest on Andrew’s 66th birthday.
‘Surely, they could’ve done it yesterday, the day before his birthday,’ the 51-year-old said.
Her comment was quickly picked up by bemused viewers who took to social media to question her words.
‘Alison says the stupid part out loud again,’ wrote @Rise_and_grind7.
While @TheQueenB76 posted: ‘Alison saying ‘surely they didn’t have to arrest him on his birthday. What a weird comment about an ‘alleged’ predator.’
‘Imagine if Alison was a police officer, ‘ joked @Dayjur11. ‘ Her boss: “We’re arresting Prince Andrew in the morning”.
‘Alison: “We can’t be doing that bab, it’s his birthday tomorrow, he’s probably made plans”.’
@Sane_Steve, however, was perhaps the most withering, branding the presenter an ‘unprofessional idiot’ for making such a ‘stupid statement’.
Andrew was arrested on the morning of February 19 at 8am by plain-clothes officers from Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing.
A police spokesperson confirmed officers are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
‘The man remains in police custody at this time,’ the spokesperson continued, ‘We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active, so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.’
Following the news of his brother’s arrest, King Charles III released a statement.
‘I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,’ he wrote.
‘What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.’
The king finished by saying the police have the full and wholehearted support and co-operation of his family before finishing ‘Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.’
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