Royal Family 'worried' about Prince Andrew after he gets 'raked over coals', expert says

Members of the Royal Family have expressed concerns about the Duke of York's state of mind in the wake of Amazon's A Very Royal Scandal

By Michael Moran, Features Writer

Prince Andrew

The prince has been on something of an emotional rollercoaster since the interview (Image: Getty)

Royal Family members have voiced concerns about Prince Andrew following the release of a new drama, one royal expert claims.

Amazon Prime's A Very Royal Scandal offers a less-than-flattering portrayal of Andrew throughout the now-infamous Newsnight saga.

The Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English says Andrew “comes across as the most obnoxious individual you would ever have the misfortune to meet”.

Her colleague Jo Elvin added on the Palace Confidential podcast: “A lot of us have this assumption that Andrew is impervious to public perception but it must affect him in some ways.”

Royal expert Charlotte Griffiths chimed in that Andrew had been on something of a emotional rollercoaster after hearing the response to his “car crash” interview. She claims was taking to bed at the time in depression before “bouncing back like Tigger”.

A Very Royal Scandal is produced by original interviewer Emily Maitlis

A Very Royal Scandal is produced by original interviewer Emily Maitlis (Image: Getty)

She explained: “Recently I've been hearing that he's going through quite a low stage, and actually some of the family get quite worried about him. It's kind of a terrifying thing to be completely and utterly hauled over the calls in front of the whole nation."

A Very Royal Scandal mainly tells the story of the interview from the perspective of Newsnight anchor Emily Maitlis. But, Rebecca adds, “there's quite a lot from the heart of Buckingham Palace and also Royal Lodge”.

While Andrew was said to be depressed after the interview, he is shown in episode two of the drama telling Emily Maitlis that he thought it was a success. Actor Michael Sheen, playing Andrew, tells her: “I am most grateful for the opportunity. Obviously it was a risk but I felt it [was good]. Thank you, Emily.”

A Very Royal Scandal - Season 3 - Episode 302

The show is the second dramatisation of the notorious interview (Image: Christopher Raphael/Blueprint/Sony Pictures Television)

The programme also shows how Andrew's private secretary Amanda Thirsk was sacked for her part in arranging the interview. Amanda, played by Joanna Scanlan, is summoned by the Queen’s private secretary and told she has “managed single-handedly to threaten the survival of the monarchy”.

He adds: “I am afraid you’re going to need to step back. We’ll have you sign an NDA and there will be the usual severance package, but as of Monday you no longer work for the Duke of York.” According to a recent BBC report, the real Amanda Thirsk is still supporting Andrew.

Express.co.uk has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.

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