In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the royal establishment, renowned broadcaster Emily Maitlis has laid bare the extraordinary behind-the-scenes manoeuvres of Prince Andrew during his now-infamous Newsnight interview.
The award-winning journalist, who conducted the disastrous 2019 sit-down, has disclosed that the Duke of York attempted to dictate specific terms for the interview, including demanding Maitlis's removal as interviewer at one point.
Palace Power Plays and Interview Demands
According to Maitlis's explosive account, Prince Andrew's team engaged in intense negotiations with BBC executives, pushing for unprecedented control over the questioning. The royal household reportedly sought to establish strict parameters around the Epstein-related inquiries, creating a tense atmosphere even before cameras began rolling.
The Duke's insistence on certain conditions revealed a profound misunderstanding of journalistic integrity and the gravity of the allegations connecting him to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Unravelling of a Royal
Maitlis's testimony provides crucial insight into the mindset of Prince Andrew during this critical period. Her account suggests the Duke appeared detached from the severity of the situation, focusing instead on perceived slights and presentation details rather than the substance of the serious allegations against him.
The interview, which ultimately led to Prince Andrew's withdrawal from public duties, has been widely criticised as a catastrophic misjudgment that damaged both his reputation and that of the monarchy.
Aftermath and Ongoing Fallout
The revelations come at a sensitive time for the royal family, still grappling with the aftermath of the Epstein scandal and its connection to Prince Andrew. Maitlis's detailed account raises further questions about the judgement within royal circles and the handling of serious allegations against senior members of the family.
This new information from one of journalism's most respected figures adds another layer to one of the most damaging royal scandals in recent history, suggesting that the full story behind that fateful interview may still be emerging.
