Emily Maitlis on A Very Royal Scandal and the relationship between media and monarchy

As a seasoned movie enthusiast and former journalist who’s covered royal families and scandals alike, I can confidently say that “The Crown” has never felt so real as it does in this new Amazon Prime series, “The Newsnight Interview.” The writing is sharp, the performances are outstanding, and the behind-the-scenes look at the BBC newsroom is a masterclass in drama.

Approximately five years have passed since the BBC Newsnight team from 2019 had a conversation with Prince Andrew for a TV interview that significantly impacted him and, in varying degrees, us as well.

A three-act series now available on Amazon Prime offers a glimpse into the BBC newsroom, revealing insider details and shedding light on certain discussions within royal households during that period. It also delves into the private talks that took place beyond the grandiose gates of Buckingham Palace.

The narrative moves quickly, is humorously written, and vividly shows the intense pressure and minor pandemonium involved in the journalistic mission. Michael Sheen’s outstanding performance as Andrew brilliantly captures an unusual sense of emotion.

From jovial jester to ostracized figure – he remains a man who elicits immense devotion and affection from the women who know him best. It delves into the intriguing dynamic between the media and the monarchy, questioning which party is more dependent on the other, and revealing what each stands to lose in a public dispute that goes awry.

However, this drama subtly raises an intriguing point. In the capable hands of director Julian Jarrold and producer Josh Hyams, it explores the might of journalism as well as its own boundaries. The power to scrutinize those at the highest echelons of our public institutions – church, crown, state – is what fosters a robust press and a strong democracy.

However, after five years, the play raises the question: What significant transformations have occurred in the lives of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims or for Andrew, as actress Ruth Wilson (portraying Maitlis) observes sarcastically: “He’s still celebrating Christmas at Sandringham.

After the public reaction to his Newsnight interview, it’s fair to say that Prince Andrew’s life has undergone significant changes. He’s lost his royal titles, employment, and any sense of a public role, effectively putting a halt to many aspects of his life.

It is possible that the duke (or possibly his mother, Queen Elizabeth) secretly paid millions of pounds to Virginia Giuffre, who claimed he sexually assaulted her on three occasions. Instead of facing a potentially embarrassing trial, he chose to settle out of court. Was this settlement a source of relief for Prince Andrew? Or was it a victory for Virginia Giuffre? Ultimately, did either party feel that justice had been served?

In the heart of the three episodes lies a dramatized interview, yet it’s only in the final segment that we witness the full repercussions, the aftermath. As the prince struggles to navigate a reality spiraling beyond his grasp – being micromanaged by PR squads, resulting in mounting frustration – journalists ponder if they’ve accomplished anything more than creating a viral sensation. There is no trial, no extradition, no apology, and no resolution.

Approximately a month following the broadcast of the interview, someone near Prince Charles privately conveyed to me an ambiguous statement: “HRH wasn’t pleased with the interview.” This revelation left me astounded. Over the subsequent years, I have often pondered over this single phrase in search of its implied meaning.

Could it be implied that the man who would eventually become our king, ascending the throne three years later, felt somewhat at ease with this conversation? This interaction may have offered him an opportunity to reshape the monarchy according to the demands of the era and the prevailing public view of what a monarch should represent?

Today’s lean and efficient institution clearly lends credence to this idea. The close alliance between the media and monarchy, while often implicit, is never more evident than in this portrayal. At the heart of this narrative lies the palpable tension between these two entities.

2024-09-16 18:37

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