Documentary on Prince Andrew's car crash interview to air ahead of coronation
A documentary examining Prince Andrew's disastrous Newsnight interview is set to air on Channel 4 in the run-up to King Charles' Coronation next month.
Emily Maitlis, who spoke to the royal in 2019 for BBC's Newsnight, is set to discuss the now infamous exchange, in which Andrew attempted to clear himself of wrongdoing regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein, in a two part programme.
The former BBC presenter gives a first-hand account of the preparations that went into the interview, while producer Sam McAlister, who spent more than a year negotiating the scoop, also speaks.
Channel 4 promises rare archive footage, exclusive interviews and unprecedented access, with the series examining the prince's life, and the chain of event that led to his downfall, with the Queen's second son withdrawing from royal duties.
Prince Andrew is interviewed by Emily Maitlis in 2019 (BBC)Structured around the Newsnight interview, the series will explore Andrew's early years, his status as a Falklands war hero, his often questioned business connections and his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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McAlister has previously said that a smiling Andrew was so pleased with his performance immediately after the interview that he offered her, Ms Maitlis and the rest of the Newsnight team a tour of the palace.
However the fallout from the interview, with many of Andrew's remarks ridiculed, was so extreme that he withdrew from public life.
A two part documentary will examine Prince Andrew's fall from grace (UK Press via Getty Images)
The programme will air ahead of King Charles III's Coronation (Robin Utrecht/REX/Shutterstock)In the interview, Andrew declined to say he regretted the friendship with Epstein, with his memorable answers including details of his visit to Pizza Express with daughter Princess Beatrice and saying he was medically unable to sweat.
There is much fascination over the car crash interview, and in July it was reported the events surrounding it will be turned into a film, with the title Scoop.
The film is being written by British screenwriter Peter Moffat, who told the publication the movie will be "about how the BBC’s Newsnight team got the scoop, then the actual filming of it".
He added: "The other thing is, ‘why did he agree to do it?’.
“How was it that he decided it was a good idea to do a great big long interview with Emily Maitlis on the BBC?”
Royal source says King Charles will not the his coronation to bring Prince Andrew 'in from the cold' (Getty Images)Meanwhile, claims King Charles is using the coronation to bring his disgraced brother "in from the cold" have been dismissed by royal sources.
There had been claims playing down a row between the King and Andrew over his potential ban on wearing Garter Knight robes following his exile from the Royal Family.
However, sources confirmed to the Mirror Andrew did have a row with his older brother over the ceremonial robes with Charles torn over whether to allow his disgraced brother to don the theatrical regalia.
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He was said to be furious at being told aside from not having a central role he may be made to wear a simple morning suit for his brother's Coronation.
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