The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, just days before the 79th British Academy Film Awards, was to become a subject of comedy for the ceremony’s presenters.
However, BAFTA bosses are ensuring that is not the case as they prepare to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales on Sunday evening. Last year, Prince William and Princess Kate stepped aside and instead took a family vacation during this time.
Given that the arrest of King Charles’s disgraced brother is a sensitive subject, bosses have given strict instructions on any possible ‘pranks’ from Andrew for the evening.
The awards ceremony is hosted by Alan Cumming, 61, who has criticized the royal family on several occasions. Most notably, he was awarded the OBE in 2023. He was even part of the animated parody series about the royal family, The Prince.
Alan replaces actor David Tennant, 54, as host of this year’s Baftas, which is now a cause for concern, after the series of events that have taken place for the royal family.
“Alan clearly has opinions about the monarchy,” a source said. The Sun. “Bafta bosses want to keep the focus on the films and the winners.”
They added: “Any mention of Andrew’s arrest would take away from the awards. There are concerns about any attempt at humor about what happened to Andrew.”
Plus, the source insisted it would be “even more awkward” if Prince William and Princess Kate were in the audience.
