Prince Andrew's now-infamous 2019 Newsnight interview continues to cast a shadow over his public image and royal standing. New revelations suggest that the Duke of York ignored critical advice from Buckingham Palace officials before the disastrous interview that ultimately led to his removal from royal duties. According to insiders, Andrew's refusal to heed warnings about the potential fallout has had lasting consequences, leading to his estrangement from key members of the royal family, including King Charles.
The Newsnight interview, which was meant to clear the air about Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is widely regarded as one of the most catastrophic media appearances by a member of the British royal family. Critics argue that Andrew's lack of preparation and dismissive tone toward Epstein's victims only worsened his situation. Lee Cohen, a political commentator, told GB News that the Duke "wasn't let down by Buckingham Palace. He let himself down." Cohen added, "Andrew ignored the guidance from those who understood the media landscape better."
During the interview, Prince Andrew failed to convincingly explain his long-standing friendship with Epstein and offered little empathy for the victims. This, combined with his awkward justifications, left the public and media outraged. Buckingham Palace's response-or lack thereof-did little to mitigate the damage. According to attorney Paul Tweed, a close friend of the York family, the palace's failure to quickly issue a public statement left Andrew exposed to heightened scrutiny. In his recent book, My Life as an International Libel Lawyer to the Rich and Famous, Tweed claims that Buckingham Palace's inaction further intensified the public backlash.
Royal expert Adam Helliker explained that, following the interview, Andrew found himself isolated from the royal family, with Queen Elizabeth II reportedly footing the bill for a significant financial settlement to Virginia Giuffre, who accused Andrew of sexual assault. "No one has that kind of money but his mother," Helliker stated, indicating that the estimated $16 million settlement likely came from the Queen's personal funds. Andrew has always maintained his innocence, and the settlement did not include an admission of guilt.
Despite these challenges, Andrew's decisions following the interview have continued to strain his relationship with the monarchy. His refusal to vacate the Royal Lodge, a sprawling 30-bedroom estate, and move to the smaller Frogmore Cottage has placed him at odds with his elder brother, King Charles. The king, who has taken a more streamlined approach to royal finances, has reportedly grown impatient with Andrew's unwillingness to leave the residence. This ongoing row has only further fueled tensions between the two.
While Andrew's associates, including Tweed, have criticized the palace's handling of the situation, other commentators insist that Andrew's downfall was self-inflicted. "Rather than being let down, he chose to ignore the guidance from those who understood the media landscape better," said Cohen. He pointed out that Buckingham Palace, well-versed in managing media relations, would have guided Andrew through the delicate process had he been willing to listen.
Following the interview, Andrew's royal titles and patronages were stripped, and he has since lived a life largely removed from public duties. Many observers argue that the situation could have been avoided if the Duke had heeded the advice of palace courtiers and avoided the interview altogether. Journalist and royal commentator Lee Cohen noted that Andrew's decision to proceed despite being "strongly advised against it" demonstrates his stubbornness and unwillingness to see the potential consequences.
The fallout from the Newsnight interview has not only impacted Andrew's public image but also cast a shadow on the royal family's reputation. Some royal experts argue that the handling of the Duke's case reflects broader issues within the institution regarding how to manage crises involving senior royals. Buckingham Palace, which typically maintains a tight grip on media narratives, was notably silent following the interview, allowing the media storm to escalate without intervention.
In March 2022, it was reported that Andrew had settled with Virginia Giuffre, officially closing the case. David Boies, Giuffre's lawyer, noted that his client was pleased with the outcome. "Virginia was very, very pleased with the settlement. It's over. We have a monetary settlement, a charitable contribution, and his statement and acknowledgment," Boies said at the time. However, the source of the settlement money remained a point of contention, with many assuming the funds came from the late Queen.
