The BBC suspended Winter Olympics coverage on day 13 to announce that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, has been arrested by Thames Valley Police
The coverage of the Winter Olympics was interrupted(Image: Getty Images)
The BBC had to interrupt their Winter Olympics broadcast on BBC One to break the news of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest. The scandal-ridden former Duke of York was taken into custody by Thames Valley Police under suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Hazel Irvine declared a brief intermission after Switzerland’s victory over Italy in the men’s curling event, which secured Team GB’s spot in the semi-finals. On BBC One, Irving stated: “We’re going to pause our coverage from the Olympic Winter Games on this thirteenth day, and we’ll be back with you in just a few moments’ time.
The broadcast then switched to a transition screen, where a voiceover declared: “Now on BBC One, a news update,” before transitioning to the BBC News studio. It comes after a Winter Olympics reporter revealed she had been drinking before ‘slurring’ on live TV.
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After a minute or so, Irvine resumed the broadcast. She greeted viewers with: “Welcome back to the Winter Olympics, Day 13,” before proceeding with the curling commentary.
Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk under suspicion of misconduct in public office, who is currently in police custody. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright commented: “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 as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
The police force has previously stated it is examining allegations that a woman was trafficked to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mountbatten-Windsor. Authorities are also investigating claims he disclosed sensitive information during his tenure as the UK’s trade envoy with the convicted sex offender.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the Andrew allegations on BBC Breakfast before this development emerged. When questioned about Andrew giving testimony, he said: “Anybody who has any information should testify.
“So, whether it’s Andrew or anybody else, anybody who has got relevant information should come forward to whatever the relevant body is, in this particular case, we’re talking about Epstein, but there are plenty of other cases.
“Anybody who has got information relating to any aspect of violence against women and girls has, in my view, a duty to come forward, whoever they are.”
The PM added: “One of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law, and nobody is above the law, and it is really important that is applied across the board.
“That is the principle. It’s a long-standing principle, it’s a very important principle of our country, our society, and it applies, and it has to apply in this case, in the same way as it would apply in any other case.”
