When will 'A Very Royal Scandal' air? All the details for Prime series on that scandalous Prince Andrew interview
Show name: A Very Royal Scandal
Platform: Prime Video
Date of release: September 19, 2024
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Historical drama
Director: Julian Jarrold
Full cast list: Michael Sheen, Ruth Wilson, Joanna Scanlan, Alex Jennings, Éanna Hardwicke, Thomas Arnold, Clare Calbraith, John Hopkins, and others
Prime Video is gearing up for the release of their upcoming historical drama titled, 'A Very Royal Scandal' which is set to release on Thursday, September 19.
After Netflix dramatized the infamous Prince Andrew interview in 'Scoop', the time has come for Prime Video to release its own take on the scandal.
Alongside the release date announcement, Prime Video unveiled new images from the series, offering a glimpse into the dramatic retelling of the controversial 'Newsnight' interview.
What is the plot of 'A Very Royal Scandal'?
'A Very Royal Scandal' is a three-episode series based on the explosive 2019 interview between Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew. The interview focused on Prince Andrew's involvement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre's allegations of underage sex with the royal.
The series explores the events leading up to the interview, the groundbreaking conversation itself, and the aftermath that left a lasting impact on their lives.
The show explores the scandalous accusations and unresolved questions, revealing a royal scandal that shook the world.
The official synopsis reads, "Explores Emily Maitlis journey as a News night journalist and Prince Andrew's disastrous interview with her."
What is the real story behind 'A Very Royal Scandal'?
In March 2011, BBC News reported growing criticism surrounding Prince Andrew, Duke of York, due to his alleged friendship with American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Pressure for him to step down from his role as trade envoy was increasing. Prince Andrew faced further scrutiny when his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, revealed that he allegedly helped arrange for Epstein to pay off £15,000 of her debts, as per the Telegraph.
A photograph of him reportedly walking with Epstein in Central Park in December 2010 during a visit to New York City added fuel to the controversy. Subsequently, in July 2011, Prince Andrew's role as trade envoy was terminated, and he reportedly severed all ties with Epstein, according to BBC.
In November 2019, the BBC's Newsnight arranged an interview between Prince Andrew and Emily Maitlis, marking his first public discussion about his connections with Epstein. The interview, recorded at Buckingham Palace on November 14, aired on November 16.
He reportedly admitted to staying at Epstein's mansion for three days in 2010, expressing regret for the decision and stating he aimed to sever ties with Epstein honorably.
Prince Andrew declared willingness to testify under oath regarding his connections with Epstein after consulting with legal teams, as reported by the Time.
How did Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein first meet?
Prince Andrew's friendship with Epstein began when he was introduced to the latter by Ghislaine Maxwell, a British socialite who was Epstein's girlfriend at the time, according to The Guardian.
In December 2021, Maxwell was found guilty of several counts related to her role in Epstein's sexual abuse of young women. In June 2022, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The full extent of Epstein's relationship with Prince Andrew or other members of the royal family remains largely unknown. However, recently surfaced never-before-seen photos reportedly show Prince Andrew with Epstein at Royal Ascot in 2000.
Prince Andrew also revealed that he had visited several of Epstein's properties but maintained that he "saw him infrequently and probably no more than only once or twice a year," as per the outlets.
What was the relationship between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein?
Among Epstein's glamorous and influential friends, none suffered as much damage to their reputation as Prince Andrew, the Queen's second son. Their association led to criticism of Prince Andrew's judgment and ultimately led to the end of his role as a UK trade envoy.
The relationship between Prince Andrew and Epstein was unusual. While Prince Andrew enjoyed the privileges of his royal title, Epstein's success story followed the classic American narrative of rags to riches.
Prince Andrew's association with Epstein resurfaced in 2015, thanks to Virginia Roberts, one of the many women identified by the FBI as a potential victim of Epstein. Roberts, like numerous other teenagers, filed a lawsuit against Epstein, alleging exploitation.
Inside Jeffrey Epstein's financial ties with Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson
In 2011, Epstein paid Sarah Ferguson's former personal assistant Johnny O'Sullivan £15,000 at the request of Prince Andrew, according to a report by The Telegraph. This payment reportedly allowed for a broader restructuring of Ferguson's £5 million debts.
Ferguson later apologized for her association with Epstein, expressing deep regret for any involvement.
She stated, "I abhor pedophilia and any sexual abuse of children, and know that this was a huge error in judgment on my part," as per the outlet. Ferguson also confirmed that her ex-husband Prince Andrew allegedly facilitated the payment, emphasizing her determination to sever ties with Epstein.
What did the Jeffrey Epstein files reveal about Prince Andrew?
There was a deposition from Juan Alessi, a former housekeeper at Jeffrey Epstein's Florida residence, dating back to 2009 in a report published CBS News. Alessi testified that Prince Andrew reportedly spent extensive periods at the mansion, receiving daily massages during his visits.
He mentioned that Prince Andrew occupied the main guest bedroom, known as "the blue room," and noted the presence of other notable figures like former US President Donald Trump, who allegedly dined in the kitchen rather than at the main table.
Alessi, who worked at Epstein's home from 1990 to 2002, also observed a considerable number of young adult female visitors during his tenure, as per the report.
Who stars in 'A Very Royal Scandal'?
Michael Sheen
Michael Sheen is a Welsh actor born on February 5, 1969, in Newport, Wales. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and began his career on stage, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Sheen has appeared in a wide range of film and television roles, including 'Underworld', 'Frost/Nixon', and 'Masters of Sex'. He has received numerous award nominations for his performances, including a BAFTA TV Award and an Emmy nomination.
Sheen is also known for his intense preparation and immersion into his roles, often undergoing significant physical transformations. He has been recognized for his contributions to the arts with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2009.
Ruth Wilson
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Ruth Wilson is a British actress born on January 13, 1982, in Ashford, Surrey, England. She trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and began her career on stage, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Wilson has appeared in a range of film and television roles, including 'Jane Eyre', 'Luther', and 'The Affair', for which she won a Golden Globe Award. She has also received numerous award nominations for her performances, including a BAFTA TV Award and an Olivier Award.
Wilson is known for her versatility and range, playing complex and dynamic characters throughout her career. She has been recognized for her contributions to the arts with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2021.
Éanna Hardwicke
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Éanna Hardwicke is an Irish actor born in 1997 in Dublin, Ireland. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and began his career on stage, performing with the National Youth Theatre.
Hardwicke has appeared in a range of film and television roles, including 'Penny Dreadful', 'Viking Destiny', and 'Normal People'. He has received critical acclaim for his performances, particularly his portrayal of Rob Hegarty in 'Normal People'.
Hardwicke's breakout role earned him a BAFTA TV Award nomination and recognition as a rising star in the industry. He continues to work in film and television, taking on diverse and complex roles.
How to stream 'A Very Royal Scandal'?
'A Very Royal Scandal' will premiere on Thursday, September 19 on Prime Video. Don't have Prime Video? Worry not, we've got you covered!
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