The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor just days before the 79th British Academy Film Awards was to become comedy fodder for the presenters at the ceremony.
However, bosses at BAFTA are making sure that is not the case as they prepare to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales on Sunday night. Last year, Prince William and Princess Kate opted out and instead took a family holiday during that period.
Given that the arrest of the disgraced brother of King Charles is a sensitive subject, bosses have issued strict instructions about any potential Andrew “jokes” for the evening.
The awards are hosted by Alan Cumming, 61, who has famously criticized the royal family on a number of occasions. Most notably, he returned his OBE honor in 2023. He was even part of the parody animated series about the royal family, The Prince.
Alan replaces actor David Tennant, 54, as Bafta host this year, which is causing concern now, after the series of events that took place for the royals.
“Alan clearly has opinions about the monarchy,” a source said The sun. “Bafta bosses want to keep focus on films and winners.”
They added: “Any mention of Andrew’s arrest would take away from the awards. There is concern about any attempt at humor over what has happened to Andrew.”
Furthermore, the source insisted it would be “even more awkward” if Prince William and Princess Kate were in the audience.
