Emily Maitlis recently disclosed a request made by Prince Andrew following their infamous Newsnight interview, which has continued to affect her career as she prepares for the release of A Very Royal Scandal. After the controversial 2019 interview—which focused on the Duke of York’s association with Jeffrey Epstein—Prince Andrew allegedly asked Maitlis, “Was it okay?” following the broadcast. The interview, which was widely criticized for his lack of remorse and questionable responses, has since haunted both Maitlis and Andrew’s public image.
Maitlis has reflected on how the interview became a pivotal moment in her career, shaping public discourse and leading to ongoing conversations about royal accountability. A Very Royal Scandal delves into the aftermath of the interview, examining its lasting impact on the British monarchy and the public’s perception of the Duke of York.
Emily Maitlis has revealed the uncomfortable request made by Prince Andrew after their notorious Newsnight interview concluded. The journalist, who now serves as an executive producer on the upcoming Prime Video series A Very Royal Scandal—a dramatization of the 2019 interview—disclosed that the Duke of York wanted to continue discussing his sweating condition and his infamous Pizza Express alibi, topics that had already drawn widespread criticism.
Despite the interview being labeled a “car crash” for Prince Andrew due to his inadequate responses regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, he expressed a desire to further elaborate on these contentious points. The Newsnight interview remains a pivotal moment in both Andrew’s public image and Maitlis’ career, and the new series aims to explore its lasting ramifications.
Emily Maitlis, who is portrayed by Ruth Wilson in the upcoming series A Very Royal Scandal, also discussed the unexpected effect of the Newsnight interview on her career opportunities. Reflecting on Prince Andrew’s post-interview request, Maitlis revealed that after the interview concluded, she asked him if there was anything he felt was missing. Prince Andrew responded by expressing concern that his alibi had not been included in the broadcast. This detail, along with the interview’s broader impact, has influenced Maitlis’ professional trajectory and continues to resonate in her new project.
