A Very Royal Scandal set for release amid sensitive time for Prince Andrew

The upcoming Amazon Prime series A Very Royal Scandal offers a fresh take on Prince Andrew's infamous 2019 Newsnight interview. 

Set to premiere on September 19, the three-part drama stars Michael Sheen as the Duke of York and Ruth Wilson as journalist Emily Maitlis. The series delves into the lead-up to the explosive interview, the interview itself, and its lasting consequences.

With Maitlis serving as an executive producer, the show promises an inside look at the clash between royal protocol and newsroom culture, reported GB News.

The recently released trailer hints at the drama's intensity. The first episode focuses on Prince Andrew's attempts to defend himself amid the Epstein scandal. The second centers on the interview, teasing unexpected developments, while the final episode explores the fallout for both the prince and Maitlis.

This Amazon series follows the release of Netflix’s Scoop in April, which also dramatized the interview. However, Maitlis dismissed the idea of rivalry between the two shows, stating, "This will be a very different beast." 

While Scoop was based on a book by former BBC producer Sam McAlister, A Very Royal Scandal benefits from Maitlis's personal involvement.

The series also sheds light on Princess Beatrice's surprising role in facilitating the interview. McAlister had noted in her book that Beatrice’s unexpected presence at a pre-interview meeting influenced the atmosphere and may have swayed the decision to move forward.

Part of the anthology series that includes A Very English Scandal and A Very British Scandal, A Very Royal Scandal continues the tradition of dramatizing high-profile controversies involving British elites. 

Its release coincides with reports of ongoing tensions between Prince Andrew and King Charles, including disputes over the Duke’s residence and the withdrawal of funding for his private security.