Emily Maitlis, a prominent British news presenter, has recently been involved in two high-profile dramatizations of the 2019 BBC Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew. As the executive producer of Amazon’s A Very Royal Scandal, Maitlis had a pivotal role in the series, which will debut on Prime Video on September 19. This series is set to offer an in-depth look at the controversial interview and its aftermath, featuring Ruth Wilson and Michael Sheen in the leading roles. Maitlis reflects on her decision to prioritize Amazon’s project over Netflix’s Scoop, which aired earlier this year with Gillian Anderson and Rufus Sewell.
The timing of these dramatizations is significant, marking five years since the interview that stirred global debate. Maitlis, known for her incisive journalism, was keen to explore the ongoing ramifications of that night, particularly the impact on the BBC’s relationship with the royal family. She describes the interview as a turning point, questioning whether it fundamentally altered the public’s view of the monarchy.
Maitlis was drawn to Amazon’s project partly due to her positive experiences working with Jeremy Brock, the screenwriter. “Jeremy’s meticulous research and his commitment to presenting a rich, multi-faceted account of the events made it an easy choice for me,” Maitlis says. She praises Brock for not only incorporating her perspective but also gathering insights from various members of the Newsnight team, providing a comprehensive portrayal of the infamous interview.
The series, unlike Netflix’s Scoop, which had its own take on the drama, delves deeply into the personal and professional fallout of the interview. Maitlis highlights the differences in approach: “With Amazon, I had the opportunity to influence the project significantly, from the script to the portrayal of key events.” The involvement of Ruth Wilson, who embodies Maitlis, and Michael Sheen, who plays Prince Andrew, was also a factor in her decision. Maitlis bonded closely with Wilson, sharing personal anecdotes and even her own wardrobe to ensure an authentic representation.
Wilson, who portrays Maitlis, embraced the challenge of capturing the essence of the journalist while respecting the complexity of her role. “Emily trusted me to bring her essence to life without needing to replicate every detail,” Wilson shares. “The project was an opportunity to explore the intricacies of Maitlis’s experience and the broader implications of the interview.”
The decision to focus on A Very Royal Scandal reflects Maitlis’s commitment to an authentic and detailed recounting of events. She acknowledges the significant impact of the interview on Prince Andrew’s life, including the loss of his public standing and royal duties, alongside the broader repercussions for the royal family and the public’s perception.
Maitlis also notes that despite the dramatic portrayal, the full story remains unresolved. “The interview revealed much but did not provide closure,” she says. “We still don’t have a complete picture of the ramifications for Prince Andrew, Virginia Giuffre, or the broader context of the Epstein scandal.”
The Very Royal Scandal promises to be a profound exploration of this pivotal moment in modern history, offering viewers a detailed look at the clash between two powerful institutions and its lasting effects. The series will be available exclusively on Prime Video in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand starting September 19.
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