Emily Maitlis Reflects on Prince Andrew’s Disastrous Interview and Its Ongoing Impact

Emily Maitlis believes that Prince Andrew “lost the respect of the nation” following her infamous 2019 Newsnight interview with him. In a recent conversation , Maitlis highlighted that the interview, although impactful, did not bring closure to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims.

The interview, often described as a “car-crash” moment, featured Prince Andrew addressing his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. It has now inspired a new three-part drama, A Very Royal Scandal, with Ruth Wilson portraying Maitlis and Michael Sheen playing Prince Andrew.

The BBC interview significantly damaged Andrew’s public image and contributed to his decision to step back from royal duties, citing the Epstein scandal as a “major disruption” to the Royal Family. Maitlis and Wilson discussed the interview’s aftermath at the Ham Yard Hotel in London, close to the BBC’s Broadcasting House where Newsnight is filmed.

During the 2019 interview, Andrew vehemently denied allegations of sexual misconduct with Virginia Giuffre, a claim she made about an encounter that supposedly occurred when she was 17. He stated he was at a Pizza Express in Woking on the day of the alleged incident. Subsequently, Andrew reached a financial settlement with Giuffre, concluding a civil case in the U.S. without admitting liability. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Recent reports indicate that Andrew may have to cover his own expenses if he wishes to continue residing at the Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor. Meanwhile, A Very Royal Scandal is drawing attention for its portrayal of the interview’s consequences. Maitlis reflected on its impact, noting that while Andrew lost his royal privileges and public respect, there remains uncertainty over whether Epstein’s victims gained any meaningful resolution.

Maitlis expressed concern that the interview may have been “just a moment” rather than leading to significant change. She questioned whether journalism can effect more than merely highlighting issues and observing subsequent changes. This perspective is a key focus of the third episode of the new series, which delves into the broader fallout of the interview.

She also revealed that a month after the interview, someone close to King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, told her that Charles was “not unhappy” with the interview. Maitlis has pondered the meaning of this comment, speculating it could indicate Charles didn’t blame her or saw it as part of a necessary reset between the Royal Family and the public.

Maitlis observed a shift in the monarchy’s public image following the interview, noting a “slimmer” royal presence. She recalled the Queen’s Christmas speech that year, which seemed to signify a change. Maitlis now wonders if this comment from December 2019 marked the beginning of this transformation.

In A Very Royal Scandal, Wilson underwent a physical transformation to resemble Maitlis, including wearing a wig and brown contact lenses. Wilson described the role as “absolutely wonderful,” noting her enjoyment of embodying Maitlis and the behind-the-scenes aspects of Newsnight. She worked with a voice and movement coach to capture Maitlis’s essence, including her mannerisms and habits.

Maitlis appreciated Wilson’s portrayal, noting the actress’s accuracy in capturing her “impatience” and quirks. Despite the dramatization, Maitlis pointed out creative liberties in the series, such as a scene with her on-screen husband snoring, which did not reflect her real life.

The dramatisations of the 2019 interview, including Scoop on Netflix, highlight different aspects of the story. While Maitlis remains diplomatic about the differences between A Very Royal Scandal and Scoop, she acknowledges that both productions take creative liberties. The ongoing interest in the interview reflects the complexity of its fallout, suggesting that while the interview itself is available online, these dramatizations explore the broader consequences and evolving understanding of its impact.