Prince Andrew’s life was turned upside down after his 2019 Newsnight interview, the unseen pictures of which still have the potential to embarrass the Royal Family.
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Emily Maitlis, the BBC journalist who conducted the interview, questioned Andrew about his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and allegations that he had sexual relations with Virginia Giuffre, who was then 17 years old. The interview became a defining moment in both her career and the Duke of York’s public image.
His responses, particularly his now-infamous alibi that he had been at a Pizza Express in Woking on the day of the alleged encounter, sparked widespread criticism. Giuffre's legal team also claimed that the interview proved he was guilty.
Emily Maitlis reveals what happened moments before the interview
In a recent interview, Maitlis shared new details about her experience during that historic conversation. Speaking to Good Housekeeping, she revealed the immense pressure she felt before the interview and the need to collect her thoughts.
The 54-year-old recalled fleeing to the toilet moments before sitting down with Prince Andrew, seeking solitude to give herself a pep talk. She said:
I remember shaking [the Prince's] hand, and then I excused myself and fled to the toilet. I locked the door and slumped in the corner of this wonderful, very chintzy, very ornate loo.
I was holding the hand basin at one point and just saying to myself: 'Right, what is this interview about? Find the focus, find the point of the interview.' I was sort of lecturing myself: ‘Don't interrupt, don't be rude, don't forget to be courteous in your address - but also don't pull your punches in the questions.’
In 2022, nearly three years after the interview, it was reported that the Duke had settled his lawsuit out of court – a settlement that the late Queen allegedly funded.
Maitlis previously shared that the impact of the interview was far greater than either party anticipated, according to The Independent. She explained how Prince Andrew lost his royal duties, the ability to wear his uniform, and his respect, adding:
And on the other side, we don’t know if Epstein’s victims gained anything from that. We don’t know if their lives materially changed.
Reportedly, King Charles was also ‘not happy’ with the interview. In her recent Good Housekeeping interview, Maitlis also revealed how she faced backlash for it. She said:
There were some people saying to me: 'What have you done to The Royal Family?' Stuff that was way too big and put far too much responsibility on our team’s shoulders.
But there’s something very disturbing about seeing the effects play out in real time, because you do feel a sense of responsibility. The thing I keep coming back to is, ‘I’m a journalist. I just ask the questions.’
Who is Emily Maitlis?
Emily Maitlis is one of the most recognisable faces in British news, known for her fearless interviewing style and in-depth knowledge of politics. An award-winning journalist, she gained prominence as a presenter on BBC Newsnight and became a trusted voice in media, covering major events such as the UK and US elections, reports Speakers’ Corner. Living in London, Maitlis balances her career with family life, sharing her home with her husband, two sons, and a whippet named Moody.
She has interviewed a wide range of high-profile figures, including former US Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, as well as numerous UK Prime Ministers.
In 2022, Maitlis left the BBC to join Global Media, where she co-hosts The News Agents podcast with Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall.
Beyond broadcasting, Maitlis has written for prestigious outlets like The Sunday Times and The Guardian, and authored the bestseller Airhead: An Exploration of the Imperfect Art of Making News. She also delivered the flagship address at the 2022 Edinburgh TV Festival, exploring the challenges of modern journalism in holding power to account.
Read more:
King Charles allegedly wants to bring Prince Andrew back into the royal fold, insider claims
Kevin Spacey's interview with Piers Morgan brings Prince Andrew’ scandal back in the spotlight
Sources used:
Good Housekeeping: Emily Maitlis on her famous Royal interview, leaving the BBC and her very tolerant husband
The Independent: Emily Maitlis reveals Prince Andrew’s request after filming ‘car crash’ Newsnight interview
Speakers’ Corner: Emily Maitlis
