This Morning welcomes Prince Harry to ITV show in rare appearance as host Alison Hammond raises eyebrows
Prince Harry sparked laughs at the Invictus Games launch in BirminghamThis Morning revealed a surprise royal-TV crossover when Prince Harry appeared at an Invictus Games event and left Alison Hammond in hysterics.
The Duke of Sussex was in Birmingham today for the Invictus Games countdown launch. He joined This Morning star Alison Hammond for a friendly laser tag match.
But Alison appeared to rub some viewers up the wrong way with her behaviour towards the duke and for calling Harry “babes”.
Alison didn’t host Friday’s This Morning, with Angela Scanlon taking her spot alongside Dermot O’Leary. But Alison was busy with a very special royal interview…
Alison Hammond and Prince Harry on This Morning today
The pair quickly showed their competitive side. Harry used a two-hand grip on the gun as they aimed at each other.
They then laughed, hugged and jumped around like old pals. The moment gave the event a lighter feel and a very public burst of fun.
Later, Alison interviewed Harry about the games.
The interview was packed of playful moments, including one where Harry complimented Alison.
He told her: “I love your hoop earrings.”
A gushing Alison replied: “Oh thank you babes,” leaving Harry laughing.
Viewers watching shared their thoughts on X, with some taking issue with Alison’s behaviour towards King Charles’ youngest son.
One person said: “Ugh calling him Babes is so off.”
Another wrote: “Alison jumping up and down against Harry has really [bleep] me off!”
Someone else added: “Alison what on God’s Earth are you doing? Absolutely embarrassing behaviour!”
However, others were amused. One laughed: “Alison is brilliant.”
Another gushed: “Iconic section. Warm and real. @AlisonHammond proving why she is so amazing and natural at these interviews. Smashed it babes!!”
Why Harry’s This Morning moment drew extra attention
The Birmingham appearance also fed fresh speculation about Harry’s family plans. Rumours continue to swirl that Meghan Markle, Archie and Lilibet may also be in the UK.
There have been no sightings of them, and their presence has not been officially confirmed. According to reports, Meghan and the children may only join Harry for private family time but won’t attend any public events.
The family connection has also drawn interest because King Charles, 77, has met Archie, seven, only a few times. It’s believed he has met Lilibet, five, only once, during Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Harry has also spoken openly about the strain around security and family life. The duke has been in a lengthy legal battle with the Home Office over security arrangements after stepping down as a working royal in 2020. When he stepped down, his automatic taxpayer-funded security was downgraded.
Read more: This Morning host Dermot O’Leary quashes Alison Hammond ‘bust-up’ rumours
He lost a Court of Appeal challenge last year. In a BBC interview, Harry said: “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point and the things that they’re going to miss is, well, everything you know.”
Speaking on This Morning on Friday, Harry gushed over his wife Meghan and his kids. He told Alison: “They don’t tell me every day that they’re proud of me, but yeah, I’m proud of them, they’re proud of me. I love my family.”
