As a long-time follower of British affairs and a connoisseur of royal scandals, I must say that “A Very Royal Scandal” is a riveting exploration into the inner workings of the British monarchy, particularly the downfall of Prince Andrew. The series offers an intriguing blend of political intrigue, personal drama, and journalistic grit.
Over several decades, the British Monarchy has been known for its enigmatic charm and appeal. The occasional gossip and scandal made headlines, but it was the turmoil surrounding Princess Diana’s marriage to King Charles in the 1990s that almost brought the institution to its knees. However, the royals experienced a surge in popularity when Prince Harry wed Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in 2018. Unfortunately, this brief period of prosperity soon faded. Queen Elizabeth II’s health began to decline, and in quick succession, events unfolded that would shake the Monarchy to its core: Prince Harry and Meghan left the royal family, and Prince Andrew’s connection with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, resurfaced.
As a fervent admirer, I’m excited to share that this year, for the third time, Amazon Prime Video’s “Scandal” series has delved into royal intrigue with “A Very Royal Scandal.” Interestingly, Netflix’s film “Scoop,” which also explored the Prince Andrew interview, premiered earlier in the year. While “Scoop,” featuring Gillian Anderson, was based on Sam McAlister’s autobiographical book, “Scoops,” this limited series is told from Maitlis’ point of view. The critically acclaimed film “Scoop” underscored McAlister’s crucial but often overlooked part in securing the broadcast of the interview.
“A Very Royal Scandal”: Unveiling the Interview Chaos at Buckingham Palace on November 14, 2019
In 2011, while out golfing, Prince Andrew discovers that The Daily Mail has a picture from 2001 showing him with Virginia Giuffre, who claims he raped her soon after the photograph was taken. Taking it in stride, Prince Andrew instructs his secretary to handle the matter, then brusquely dismisses the staffer. Eight years later, during the continuous coverage of Brexit, news about Jeffrey Epstein’s death resurfaces, bringing renewed attention to the controversial picture, Giuffre’s accusations, and Prince Andrew once more into public scrutiny.
The first episode of “A Very Royal Scandal” delves into the personal lives of Maitlis and Prince Andrew, demonstrating how their paths eventually intersected in a sensational interview. Having worked at the BBC for two decades, Maitlis is eager to cover something beyond the U.K.’s tumultuous government. When the prince’s team proposes a brief segment about his charitable endeavors, she views it as a chance for him to address the controversial photograph, his relationship with Epstein, and the sexual assault accusations made by Giuffre against him.
In the narrative, Prince Andrew is depicted as living in a world of his own making, which ultimately contributed to his decline. The character portrayed by Sheen exhibits self-indulgence and a quick temper, using his close bond with his mother as a tool; he openly dislikes his elder brother, Charles, and finds joy only in activities like hunting, golfing, or talking with his daughters, Beatrice (Honor Swinton Byrne) and Eugenie (Sofia Oxenham). Surrounded by individuals who agree with him, including Thirsk and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson (Claire Rushbrook), the series demonstrates how effortlessly Prince Andrew buried himself and closed the lid on his own fate.
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.
Despite the widespread exposure of Prince Andrew’s BBC interview, the captivating drama “A Very Royal Scandal” remains intriguing. Even though the British royal family has grown less enigmatic in recent times, this series offers a compelling glimpse into the opulence, privilege, and inner workings of The Firm, shedding light on how figures like Prince Andrew have endured for so long. As the show unfolds, it becomes evident that those who misuse their power often continue to do so until they have the courage to step out from the shadows, exposing themselves as monstrous.
“A Very Royal Scandal” premieres Sept. 19 on Prime Video.
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2024-09-19 14:17