This Morning returned on Friday (July 10) with a packed show, but it was Alison Hammond's encounter with Prince Harry that stole the spotlight—for all the wrong reasons. Viewers took to social media to express their discomfort after the presenter called the royal "babes" during a segment at the Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Alison Hammond's 'Car Crash' Interview
Hosts Dermot O'Leary and Angela Scanlon commanded the studio while Alison was on location in Birmingham for the build-up to the Invictus Games, an international sporting event founded by Prince Harry in 2014 for wounded, injured, or sick military personnel and veterans. The name "Invictus," meaning "unconquered" in Latin, reflects the resilience of participants.
Attempting to interview the founder, Alison found herself caught in a race but managed to secure a hug from Prince Harry when he noticed her. However, her use of the term "babes" left audiences unimpressed, with one viewer describing the moment as "a car crash."
Viewer Reactions on Social Media
Flocking to X, formerly Twitter, supporters of the ITV programme voiced their opinions. One viewer said: "I'm just waiting for her to call him 'Babes'. She didn't disappoint." Another raged: "Alison, what on God's Earth are you doing? Absolutely embarrassing behaviour! Are you 6 years old? !" A third commented: "What a car crash and a bloody noise." A fourth added: "Hammond....just an embarrassment." Another concurred: "This is embarrassing."
However, not all reactions were negative. Some viewers appreciated Alison's style, with one commenting: "Howling at Alison. You go, girl." Another remarked: "Harry always has some spare time for Alison."
Prince Harry Discusses Invictus Games
Later in the programme, Alison managed to speak with Prince Harry about the Games. Explaining why Birmingham was chosen as the host city, the royal said: "It's great, like Birmingham is the centre point of where so many of the wounded soldiers came back from Afghanistan." He also revealed that the event represents a "homecoming" for many veterans and mentioned accounts from veterans in Ukraine, highlighting how Invictus has supported that community.
Morning Live Pauses for Summer
Prince Harry's appearance on This Morning coincided with the announcement that competing daytime programme Morning Live would pause for the summer. Presenter Gethin Jones revealed during the live BBC broadcast that the show would take a hiatus, with the timeslot replaced by new episodes of Animal Park from 9.30am to 10.15am. The documentary series, which celebrates 25 years, will also air on the following Monday (July 20), featuring Kate Humble and Ben Fogle reflecting on memorable animal stories.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1.
