A Very Royal Scandal ending explained: The consequences of power and accountability

A Very Royal Scandal released recently on Amazon Prime, shedding light on one of the most bizarre interviews held in the last decade. The docu-series, comprising a total of three episodes, focuses on Emily Maitlis’ interview with Prince Andrew back in 2019, which occurred at Buckingham Palace.

The BBC journalist sat down with Prince Andrew for his first public interview following the allegations made against him. These were mostly related to Prince Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, in addition to the allegations levied against the royal family member by Virginia Giuffre.

The series has received largely positive reviews and has the following official synopsis:

“Explores Emily Maitlis journey as a Newsnight journalist and Prince Andrew's disastrous interview with her.”

However, much has been made about the vague ending, which saw the screen pan to a photo of Emily Maitlis’ belongings once the interview concluded. Among them was a photograph of Virginia Giuffre, a reminder of the kind of allegations that had been levied against the prince.

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A Very Royal Scandal concluded with a photograph of Virginia Giuffre

The series itself is a three-part dramatization of Emily Maitlis’ 2019 interview. It majorly focuses on the circumstances that led to the famous discussion, as well as its aftermath. While there's much to discuss regarding Prince Andrew's controversial behavior, the series conclusion is rich with symbolism.

First and foremost, the way Emily Maitlis proceeds to pack up her desk towards the end symbolizes her decision to leave the BBC. Furthermore, Prince Andrew appears oblivious to the controversy his comments are set to cause. He seems nonchalant and relaxed, even as the Queen’s Jubilee continues to play in the background.

This is followed by one of the rare interview clips that made it into the series. Emily Maitlis is seen asking the prince about the allegations made against him by Giuffre.

However, the prince decides to respond in silence and does not answer back. This evasive silence is then followed by a shot of Maitlis’ belongings.

Among them is a photograph of Giuffre, as the series hints at the lack of accountability that the prince showed in his interview. A Very Royal Scandal, therefore, attempts to bring attention to the real issues at hand.

While Prince Andrew did respond and talk about a range of issues, his stark silence when it came to the Jeffrey Epstein controversy and Virginia Giuffre’s allegations formed the focal point of the series.

The final image, in itself, is a reminder of the lack of justice for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims. While a number of stories have been made public, many individuals who were allegedly responsible escaped accountability.

A Very Royal Scandal, via its ending, simply wanted viewers to know that Prince Andrew was perhaps one of those who escaped accountability due to his royal status.

Martin Sheen, who played the role of Prince Andrew, had the following to say about the series, according to TV Insider.

“One of the things that I thought worked very well in the piece was that it seemed to reflect what actually happened in life, whereby the interview sort of became such entertainment fodder.”

He further explained:

“What started to get lost was what it was actually about, which was these young women—this one young woman, Virginia Giuffre, in particular, but all the women in the Epstein and Maxwell case.”

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A Very Royal Scandal serves as an attempt to bring to light the plethora of other stories and victims associated with Jeffrey Epstein.

A Very Royal Scandal is now available to stream on Amazon Prime.