Alison Hammond sparks outrage with 'shameful' Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remark following arrest

Earlier today, the force confirmed Andrew had been arrested at his Sandringham estate on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

In a statement, Thames Valley Police said: "As part of the investigation, we have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

"The man remains in police custody at this time. 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."

The arrest coincides with Andrew's 66th birthday, and in a remark that has been blasted all over social media, Ms Hammond criticised the timing of the arrest as she presented ITV's This Morning on Thursday.

Speaking about the unprecedented update to her co-stars Dermot O'Leary, Nick Ferrari, and Sonia Sodha, Ms Hammond commented: "They could've done it yesterday, the day before his birthday."

She continued: "It is developing, we don't know very much beyond what you've just said. All we know is that police can tell you."

Viewers were left gobsmacked by the remark, with some even deeming the host's comments as "shameful".

One 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."

"Alison saying 'surely they didn't have to arrest him on his birthday'. What a weird comment... #thismorning," a second agreed.

"#Thismorning Alison saying they shouldn't arrest him on his birthday?" a third questioned.

Someone else sarcastically penned: "Oh yeah, Alison shouldn't spoil his birthday. F***ing moron! #thismorning."

Another viewer added: "Hammond is such an unprofessional, 'They could've done it before his birthday'. What a f***ing stupid statement #ThisMorning."

"@AlisonHammond so Alison you think that someone shouldn’t be arrested if it’s his birthday?? Sorry you're so out of touch Alison and need removing from tv," one furious social media user posted. (sic)

Andrew has been living at Wood Farm, a secluded cottage on the periphery of the Sandringham grounds, since being required to leave Royal Lodge in Windsor by King Charles.

The property, situated approximately 300 yards along a private drive in Wolferton, was previously home to the late Duke of Edinburgh during his final years.

The arrival of officers at Sandringham comes amid heightened scrutiny, with nine police forces across the United Kingdom currently evaluating whether to open investigations connected to Jeffrey Epstein.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that "nobody is above the law" when asked about allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The Prime Minister said: "I think that's a matter for the police, they will conduct their own investigations, but one of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law."

He stressed this fundamental principle must be applied consistently, regardless of who is involved.

Andrew has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

GB news has approached Ms Hammond's representation for a comment.