For decades, the British Royal Family managed to maintain a certain mystique and allure. Tabloid fodder and salacious stories leaked occasionally, but in the 1990s, the scandals surrounding Princess Diana and King Charles’ marriage almost caused the entire enterprise to collapse. However, the royals seemed to hit new heights in popularity in 2018 when Prince Harry married Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Yet, just a few short years later, it all crumbled. Queen Elizabeth II was ailing, Prince Harry and Meghan exited the royal family and Prince Andrew‘s long relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced. Created by Jeremy Brock, Prime Video‘s limited series “A Very Royal Scandal” is a frank and engaging examination of the shocking interview between Prince Andrew (Michael Sheen) and journalist Emily Maitlis (Ruth Wilson) that would lead to the Duke of York’s ousting from public life and define Maitlis’ career.
“A Very Royal Scandal,” the third iteration of Prime Video’s “Scandal” series, is the second time this year the story behind the Prince Andrew interview has been brought to the screen — in April, Netflix released its film, “Scoop,” which covered the same territory. While this limited series is from Maitlis’ perspective, “Scoop,” starring Gillian Anderson, was adapted from Newsnight producer Sam McAlister’s autobiographical book, “Scoops.” The Emmy-nominated film highlights McAlister’s pivotal but overlooked role in getting the interview to air.
“A Very Royal Scandal” opens on Nov. 14, 2019, the day Maitlis and her BBC Newsnight team filmed the interview with Prince Andrew at Buckingham Palace. While the Duke of York and his then-private secretary Amanda Thirsk (Joanna Scanlan) seem almost delighted by the idea of the spotlight, Maitlis is disheveled. She rushes into the royal residence with a garment bag and purse swinging wildly in her hands; it’s clear that this conversation has only just been greenlit. From there, the episode flashes back in time, and the audience witnesses the inflection points leading to this moment.
In 2011, during a golfing excursion, Prince Andrew learns the Daily Mail has a picture of him from 2001 posing alongside then 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, who says the prince raped her shortly after the photo was taken. Barely rattled by the news, Prince Andrew tells his secretary to take care of it before promptly telling the staffer to fuck off. Eight years later, amid the never-ending broadcasts about Brexit, news of Epstein’s death thrusts the infamous photo, Giuffre’s allegations and Prince Andrew back into the spotlight.
In its first episode, “A Very Royal Scandal” unpacks Maitlis and Prince Andrew’s inner lives, showcasing how they would eventually converge for the explosive interview. After 20 years at the BBC, Maitlis is itching to report on something other than the U.K.’s chaotic government. When the prince’s team pitches a short segment on his charity work, she sees it as an opportunity for him to address the photo, his friendship with Epstein and the sexual assault allegations Giuffre has made against him.
For his part, Prince Andrew is living in his own world, which is precisely what led to his downfall. Sheen’s portrayal is that of a pampered and ill-tempered man who weaponizes his close relationship with his mother; outwardly hates his elder brother, Charles and seems content only when hunting, golfing or conversing with his daughters, Princesses Beatrice (Honor Swinton Byrne) and Eugenie (Sofia Oxenham). Surrounded by “yes people,” including Thirsk and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson (Claire Rushbrook), the series showcases how easily Prince Andrew dug his grave and sealed his coffin shut.
Though the interview is the turning point in the narrative, and takes place in Episode 2, it’s not what’s most intriguing about the show. Instead, amid the muted tones of the palace and the haunting sounds of a clock ticking in the background, “A Very Royal Scandal” offers a master class in perception. In addition to his predatory behavior, the Duke of York’s arrogance and entitlement are catalysts for his disgrace. The show highlights how insulated the royal family — specifically, the prince — had been and how his inability to step outside of his understanding of himself leads to his destruction while ricocheting into his daughters’ lives.
The series gives the audience a deep dive into royal affairs, but in some ways, Maitlis feels like a secondary character. Her family, insomnia and journalistic processes are all depicted, but though Maitlis is an executive producer of “A Very Royal Scandal,” the show doesn’t divulge more aspects of her life. For example, though it’s mentioned briefly in Episode 3, her experience of being a victim of stalking by a former friend isn’t explored here. In her portrayal, though, particularly in the interview scene, Wilson presents a woman who cares deeply about her work. The show also highlights the persistence and meticulousness needed to draw in subjects, and get them to respond to tough questions.
Though much of the world has either seen or at least heard of Prince Andrew’s BBC interview, “A Very Royal Scandal” is still fascinating. Moreover, though the British royals have certainly become less mysterious in recent years, depicting the wealth, privilege and inner workings of The Firm unveil how people like Prince Andrew manage to thrive for so long. As the series illustrates, with a system working as a shield, perpetrators are often only stopped when they boldly and proudly reveal themselves as monstrous.
“A Very Royal Scandal” premieres Sept. 19 on Prime Video.