It was meant to be another routine update on the bombshell arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor — but for Alison Hammond, it quickly turned into an uncomfortable moment of déjà vu.
The popular presenter was seated alongside co-host Dermot O’Leary on Friday’s edition of This Morning as the show revisited the extraordinary developments surrounding Andrew’s arrest by Thames Valley Police. The former royal was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office following renewed scrutiny linked to files concerning convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing and was later released under investigation.
However, as the discussion shifted to the late Virginia Giuffre — who had alleged she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with Andrew when she was 17 — Alison stumbled over Giuffre’s surname, mistakenly referring to her as “Virginia Guff.”
Viewers immediately reacted online. One wrote, “Virginia Guff?? #ThisMorning.” Another fumed, “Alison calling Virginia Giuffre Virginia Guff. Honestly appalling presenter #ThisMorning.” A third commented, “I like Alison but when it comes to serious topics she’s completely out of her depth #thismorning.”
Realising the error, Alison swiftly corrected herself live on air, telling viewers: “Sorry, it is Virginia Giuffre, I do apologise.”
But the slip-up came just 24 hours after she had already faced criticism for what some described as a “weird” remark about the timing of Andrew’s arrest. During Thursday’s breaking news segment, Alison appeared surprised that police carried out the arrest on his 66th birthday, saying: “They could’ve done it yesterday, the day before his birthday!”
The comment sparked immediate backlash on social media, with one viewer writing: “Alison saying ‘surely they didn’t have to arrest him on his birthday’. What a weird comment about an ‘alleged’ predator.”
Meanwhile, dramatic scenes unfolded at Andrew’s temporary residence on the Sandringham estate, where unmarked police vehicles and plain-clothed officers were photographed outside the property. According to the BBC, laptops, phones and other communication devices could be seized as part of the investigation.
BBC royal correspondent Sean Coughlan described the situation as “another extraordinary development in what has been an extraordinary story,” adding that it was “hard to think of any precedent” for the arrest of the King’s brother.
Thames Valley Police confirmed they had opened a formal investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation… We understand the significant public interest in this case.”
Andrew has denied all allegations against him.
As the legal drama continues to unfold, Alison’s on-air missteps have only intensified scrutiny — proving that when it comes to royal scandals, every word counts.
