Maitlis Ponders Monarchy's Shift Post-Prince Andrew Interview

Former BBC journalist Emily Maitlis has shared her thoughts on the potential long-term effects of her 2019 Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew. Speaking at the premiere of "A Very Royal Scandal," a dramatization of the events surrounding the interview, Maitlis pondered whether the conversation had "reset the shape of the monarchy."

The interview, which took place on November 16, 2019, at Buckingham Palace, lasted nearly an hour and was watched by over 1.7 million viewers. It focused heavily on Prince Andrew's connection to Jeffrey Epstein, leading to significant consequences for the royal family.

Maitlis suggested that the late Queen Elizabeth II's decision to allow the interview might have had far-reaching implications. She speculated about potential discussions within the royal circle, particularly around Prince Charles (now King Charles III), regarding the monarchy's future direction.

The dramatization, set to release on September 19, 2024, features Michael Sheen as Prince Andrew and Ruth Wilson as Maitlis. Both actors shared insights into their approach to the roles and the complexities of the story.

Sheen explained his method for connecting with the character of Prince Andrew, citing footage of the prince's return from the Falklands War in September 1982 as a pivotal moment. This event, where Prince Andrew was seen as a "brave, conquering hero," served as a starting point for Sheen to explore the prince's journey.

"Obviously, I can't play ambiguity, I have to play specificity. So I had to make some decisions and choices, which I never told anyone."

Wilson noted that the script "asks more questions than it gives solutions," encouraging viewers to consider the broader context of the events portrayed.

The interview's aftermath led to significant changes for Prince Andrew, including his stepping back from royal duties and the subsequent removal of his military titles and charitable patronages. These events have contributed to ongoing discussions about the monarchy's structure and future.

"A Very Royal Scandal" follows another dramatization of the same events, "Scoop," which was released on Netflix in April 2024. The two productions offer different perspectives on the interview and its preparation, with "Scoop" focusing more on the role of former Newsnight producer Sam McAlister.

As the royal family continues to navigate the fallout from the interview, Maitlis's reflections highlight the ongoing impact of what many media outlets described as a "car crash" interview. The dramatizations serve to keep the conversation alive, inviting audiences to reconsider the events and their implications for the British monarchy.