British journalist Emily Maitlis revealed in an interview with Good Housekeeping that she sought solace in a toilet before her now-notorious interview with Prince Andrew. Maitlis, known for her role in the BBC Newsnight interview with the Duke of York in 2019, shared her pre-interview ritual of reminding herself not to hold back in her questioning. Reflecting on the aftermath of the interview, Maitlis expressed mixed feelings, describing the experience as both proud and disturbing.
Recalling the intense moments before facing Prince Andrew, Maitlis recounted retreating to the toilet to gather her thoughts. She emphasized the internal struggle of maintaining professionalism while ensuring tough questions were asked. The interview delved into Andrew’s ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his denial of allegations made by Virginia Giuffre. Following the interview, Prince Andrew reached a financial settlement with Giuffre.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Maitlis expressed disbelief at seeing elements of her life portrayed in TV dramas by Gillian Anderson and Ruth Wilson. The journalist acknowledged feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility placed on her and her team following the interview. She noted that criticisms linking the interview to consequences for the royal family were unjustified, reiterating her role as a journalist tasked with asking probing questions.
Having left the BBC in 2022, Maitlis shared her gratitude for her experiences at the corporation while recognizing the need for change in her career. Her departure led to new ventures, including appearances on Channel 4 and work as an executive producer on A Very Royal Scandal. The full interview with Emily Maitlis can be found in the November 2024 issue of Good Housekeeping.