A new drama series, "A Very Royal Scandal," is set to shed light on the controversial Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew from Emily Maitlis's perspective. The Amazon Prime Video production, scheduled for release in September 2024, promises a unique take on the events surrounding the infamous 2019 interview.
The series, spanning three episodes, offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the interview that ultimately led to Prince Andrew's withdrawal from royal duties. A key scene, previewed at the Edinburgh TV Festival, depicts the Duke, portrayed by Michael Sheen, insisting on including his Pizza Express alibi in the interview.
"You didn't ask me about my alibis as discussed; the sweating and my visit to Pizza Express."
This moment highlights the Duke's focus on presenting his defense against allegations made by Virginia Giuffre. Prince Andrew claimed he couldn't have been with Giuffre on March 2001, as he was at a Pizza Express in Woking, Surrey, with his daughter, Princess Beatrice. He also disputed Giuffre's claim about his profuse sweating, citing a medical condition related to his service in the Falklands War.
The interview, conducted at Buckingham Palace on November 14, 2019, became a turning point in Prince Andrew's public life. His failure to express regret over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein or empathy for Epstein's victims led to widespread criticism and ultimately ended his royal career.
"A Very Royal Scandal" aims to provide a different perspective from Netflix's "Scoop," released in April 2024. While "Scoop" was based on a book by Sam McAlister, a former BBC producer, the new series focuses on Emily Maitlis's experience and the power of journalism.
Emily Maitlis, who joined the BBC in 2001 and left in 2022, serves as an executive producer for the Prime Video series. Her involvement promises to offer insights into the journalistic process and her personal experience of becoming part of the story she was covering.
The drama also touches on the tensions behind the scenes, including disagreements over credit for the interview's success. BBC sources reportedly felt that McAlister's portrayal in "Scoop" overshadowed the team effort involved in securing and conducting the interview.
As the release date approaches, viewers can anticipate a nuanced exploration of this pivotal moment in recent royal history. The series not only promises to delve into the interview itself but also to examine the broader implications for journalism and the royal family.
Prince Andrew continues to deny any recollection of meeting Virginia Giuffre and maintains his innocence against her allegations. The ongoing controversy surrounding these events underscores the lasting impact of the Newsnight interview and its aftermath on the British monarchy and public perception.