The BBC‘s coverage of the Winter Olympics was interrupted by the announcement that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested.
The broadcaster had been airing live action from the tournament in Northern Italy, including confirmation that Team GB had secured a place in the semi-finals of the men’s curling competition. The interruption came shortly after Switzerland defeated Italy – a result that ensured Team GB’s progression.
Presenter Hazel Irvine told viewers on BBC One: ‘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.
‘But for the time being, we’re heading back to London for some breaking news, and we will see you again very soon.’
A BBC Sport graphic then appeared on screen stating: ‘Coverage continues shortly on BBC One.’ Around a minute later, Irvine returned to air, saying: ‘Welcome back to the Winter Olympics, Day 13,’ before resuming the curling coverage.
Thames Valley Police, who did not name Andrew, said: ‘As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) 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 BBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics was interrupted by the announcement that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested
A group of police officers in plain clothes arrived at the location of Andrew’s exile on Wood Farm this morning, where searches began
The broadcaster had been airing live action from the tournament in Northern Italy, including confirmation that Team GB had secured a place in the semi-finals of the men’s curling event
Viewers who were tuning into the coverage of the Winter Olympics shared their surprise on X
‘The man remains in police custody at this time. We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance.’
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 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.’
Viewers who were tuning into the coverage of the Winter Olympics shared their surprise on X, with one writing: ‘Winter Olympic coverage broke away from the curling to breaking news….Prince Andrew (or whatever his name is now) has been arrested!’
Another wrote: ‘#bbcnews #skynews #gbnews #Andrew #BBCWinterOlympics don’t remember the last time we got a news flash! Not sure it was justified just because Andrew has been arrested! oh well back to the curling!’
A third wrote: ‘HOWLING bbc just cut off the curling to tell me that prince andrew has been arrested LOLLLL’
Another wrote: ‘Switzerland beat Italy in the Curling meaning the Scots boys qualify for the medal matches Then BBC interrupt the curling coverage to announce that Andrew formerly known as Prince has been arrested. Not a bad 5 minutes there’.
The arrest took place on Andrew’s 66th birthday. The former prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Buckinham Palace are yet to comment.