In a revealing new insight, journalist Emily Maitlis has shared the unexpected reaction of King Charles III to her notorious Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew regarding his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. As the fallout from the 2019 interview continues to fascinate the public, Maitlis has opened up about a cryptic message she received from someone close to Charles, sparking further intrigue.

The Newsnight interview, widely regarded as a PR disaster for Prince Andrew, ultimately led to him stepping back from his royal duties and public life. The interview has since been dramatized in the upcoming Amazon Prime series A Very Royal Scandal, which will offer fresh perspectives on the pivotal moment in British royal history. Ruth Wilson stars as Emily Maitlis, with Michael Sheen portraying Prince Andrew.

Speaking to Radio Times, Maitlis discussed the series and revisited the aftermath of the interview. She revealed that shortly after the interview aired, a source close to King Charles—then the Prince of Wales—shared a subtle yet significant comment: “HRH was not unhappy with the interview.”

This statement left Maitlis puzzled. Reflecting on it over the years, she speculated that Charles, who ascended the throne three years later, may have been relieved by the interview, seeing it as an opportunity to reshape the monarchy. Maitlis explained, “Was I being told that the man who would ascend to the throne was perhaps relieved that this exchange had taken place? Use the opportunity to reorder the monarchy in a way that befitted these times?”

This theory seems even more plausible given King Charles’ vision of a “streamlined, slimmed-down institution,” a concept that aligns with his long-held views on modernizing the monarchy. The interview marked a turning point for Prince Andrew, stripping him of royal duties and public respect. Maitlis reflected that while the interview may have reshaped Prince Andrew’s life, it left open questions about its impact on Epstein’s victims, noting, “We haven’t had closure. There’s been no trial, there’s been a settlement, you know, costing millions.”

The Newsnight interview remains a stark reminder of the powerful role of journalism in uncovering uncomfortable truths. As A Very Royal Scandal hits screens, the public is reminded once again of the complex dynamics within the royal family and the lasting impact of that fateful interview on both Prince Andrew and the monarchy as a whole.

With the series promising to highlight the power of journalism in this royal crisis, it is certain to reignite discussions about Prince Andrew’s downfall and the monarchy’s future under King Charles.