Michael Sheen brilliantly embodies Prince Andrew in A Very Royal Scandal, a three-part Amazon film that reimagines the infamous 2019 Newsnight interview and the dramatic unraveling of the Duke of York’s life. Drawing inspiration from a photograph of the prince returning from the Falklands War, Sheen captures a deeply complex and flawed individual—vain, vulnerable, and unaware of his impending fall from grace.
In this no-holds-barred drama, Sheen’s portrayal of Prince Andrew is a stark departure from previous royal depictions. He brings to life a self-centered, entitled figure who lashes out as his gilded royal existence collapses. The central moment is the disastrous interview with Emily Maitlis (played by Ruth Wilson), where the prince’s reputation is obliterated. Sheen’s Andrew is a mix of vanity and obliviousness, with shocking outbursts and moments of desperate self-defense.
The film also explores the prince’s toxic relationships, including his tangled ties with Jeffrey Epstein and his brother, Prince Charles. Sheen delivers an electrifying performance, mixing elements of Shakespearean tragedy with the comedic absurdity of Alan Partridge, creating a portrayal that is both entertaining and deeply unsettling.
Unlike Netflix’s Scoop, A Very Royal Scandal delves deeper into the people around Prince Andrew—his ex-wife, children, and loyal private secretary—offering a more layered depiction of the prince’s fall. It’s a raw and compelling portrayal that leaves viewers questioning the fine line between fact and fiction while highlighting the unresolved legacy of the scandal.
