Princess Beatrice begged Prince Andrew to cancel a major U-turn just hours before his career-ending interview, according to a new royal drama.
The actress playing Beatrice in A Very Royal Scandal, Honor Swinton Byrne, could be seen pleading with Michael Sheen (as the Duke of York) to go through with his Newsnight interview after he had second thoughts.
Several royal aides and then-Prince Charles were depicted in the new series as being disapproving towards the interview.
However, the show, which was executively produced by former Newsnight journalist Emily Maitlis, showed how Beatrice was supportive of the ordeal.
Speaking about her uncle Charles, who rang Andrew to persuade him to cancel the Newsnight interview, Beatrice said: “No, that’s really wrong of him.
“He should be supporting you, not telling you off. You’re family.”
An emotional Andrew later admitted: “I’ve never been in this much trouble before.”
Beatrice responded: “You’ve done nothing wrong. Nothing.
Honor Swinton Byrne playing Princess Beatrice as she persuades Andrew to go through with the interview
Amazon Prime
“So, just tell them the truth. And Granny’s behind it, yes?”
Andrew said: “Yes. Yes, she is,” to which Beatrice added: “That’s good.”
Prince Andrew then proceeded to go through with being interviewed by Emily Maitlis for BBC Newsnight.
The interview made headlines around the world as Andrew discussed his friendship with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
Honor Swinton Byrne (as Beatrice) speaking to Michael Sheen (as Prince Andrew)
Amazon Prime
Princess Beatrice famously accompanied her father Prince Andrew to the interview preparations
PA
The duke also did not apologise to Virginia Giuffre in the interview, who had accused Andrew of “sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress”.
Prince Andrew stressed he had no recollection of ever meeting Giuffre.
Giuffre and Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement in February 2022, and the case was dismissed by the parties’ stipulation in March 2022 without going to trial.
The duke has always denied any wrongdoing.
