A disastrous interview by Emily Maitlis with Queen Elizabeth’s son, Prince Andrew, on Newsnight has left the world in horror and unleashed a chain of events that have unfolded over the last few days leading to Prince Andrew being practically sacked by both his mother and his brother. So let’s take a look at everything that we know about this entire situation and what’s been happening as of late.
What the Interview Was All About
Prince Andrew’s name had been brought up in association with criminal offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the interview was an effort to hear what Prince Andrew had to say about his supposed association with the deceased criminal and to determine where he stood in the big picture. There was much speculation about Prince Andrew’s involvement in Epstein’s misdemeanors, which included being a convicted pedophile and a human trafficker. Prince Andrew, in the company of Princess Beatrice and Thirsk, met with interviewer Emily Maitlis at the Buckingham Palace three days before the interview was shot, to go over the scope of the interview.
Why He Did the Interview
Andrew was advised by both his daughter Princess Beatrice, as well as ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, not to participate in the interview, as a friend has shared. It was apparently Prince Andrew’s then secretary, Amanda Thirsk, who encouraged and convinced Prince Andrew to go ahead with the Newsnight interview. Apparently Amanda was of the opinion that the interview ould work in Prince Andrew’s favor to clear his name from his association with Epstein. Interestingly, it was reported by another insider that actually Sarah Ferguson and Princess Beatrice were also encouraging Andrew to participate though it is unclear at this point which is the truth.
What Was Revealed in the Interview?
Prince Andrew revealed during the explosive interview that he did have associations with the convicted criminal Jeffrey Epstein, who was found guilty for, among other charges. Andrew also admitted that he did visit Epstein’s home in New York two years after he was convicted for soliciting a minor for adult work. While Andrew did deny all the speculations and allegations against him for having had any relations with than minor Virginia Roberts, h still brought disgrace to the Royal name for having admitted his association to Epstein and having visited his home. Pictures were also supplied by the Prince in the company of women he was speculated to have had relations with, but he denied the possibility of that having happened and even suggested that the pictures were fabricated. Irrespective, the interview blew up in Prince Andrew’s face, unfortunately.
The Aftermath
The interview turned out to be a total disaster and as it happens, Prince Andrew was far better off dealing with the speculations than he was by going through with the interview. Prince Andrew had to step down from his royal duties following the interview, and there has been much more interest in his involvement after the Newsnight interview aired. In humiliation, Prince Andrew had to stand back form over 100 charity patronages over the Epstein scandal. Some people are so offended by Prince Andrew’s damaging the British Royal Family reputation that they are of the opinion that he should even be banned from attending public events like Remembrance Sunday and Trooping the Colour. There were also plans underway for Andrew’s 60th birthday party, to be held in February. Naturally, the event will not go as previously planned, especially since many would prefer to now distance themselves from Prince Andrew.
What Else Is Going On After the Interview?
Now there are questions over Princess Eugenie as well as Princess Beatrice after the disastrous airing. The same night of the interview, Beatrice was attending a private member’s club held in Mayfair, while Eugenie was at an elephant charity event in London elsewhere. The Prince of Wales was on tour in New Zealand at the time of the interview, but his entire tour was overshadowed by the Newsnight interview, and he returned to the UK. It is believed that Prince Charles actually urged the Queen to sack Prince Andrew immediately, as Andrew’s presence has the potential to destroy the British Monarchy and its reputation irreparably. Prince Charles and Prince William also are very clear on the point that Andrew will not see a return to his royal duties in the future, in any form. Further, Prince Andrew’s private finances and business dealings are now under scrutiny by the Parliament’s finance committee.
What Prince Andrew Will Be Doing Going Forward
At this point in time, Prince Andrew retains his title as Duke of York. Amanda Thirsk may have resigned from her position as PR adviser for Prince Andrew, but she has been employed privately by the Prince in order to fulfill the duties of chief executive of his new business venture, Pitch@Palace, which has been renamed Pitch. However, this too may fall through since several sponsors have dropped out and many have made it clear that they do not want the Prince’s backing in support of any charities. Also, few people see the point of him going forward with Pitch since he is doing it outside of the Palace and outside of his public duties, not representing the Queen and not supporting the monarch in any capacity whatsoever, making his efforts practically futile.
Basically, Andrew is finished. There is no undoing any of what has happened following his unfortunate interview with Newsnight, though we imagine Prince Andrew wishes for nothing more than to go back in time and choose not to go ahead with the interview that turned his life upside and affected so many others in the process. In the meantime, more and more are being placed on Andrew’s head, with women coming forward with allegations against him. We think the Prince has a hell of a year ahead of him!