Prince Andrew's Newsnight Interview Backfired, Leading to Downfall

Disgraced royal's 2019 TV appearance about Jeffrey Epstein friendship ultimately cost him his titles and home

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's disastrous 2019 BBC Newsnight interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein ultimately led to his downfall, as the domino effect of the interview resulted in him losing his royal titles and being evicted from his longtime home at Royal Lodge. The interview, in which Mountbatten-Windsor deflected questions about his past with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, was widely criticized and damaged his credibility.

Why it matters

Mountbatten-Windsor's Newsnight interview was a major PR blunder that highlighted growing concerns about his relationship with Epstein and Giuffre's accusations of sexual assault. The fallout from the interview led to Mountbatten-Windsor's removal from royal duties and his eventual eviction from Royal Lodge, underscoring the serious consequences he faced for his association with the Epstein scandal.

The details

In the Newsnight interview, Mountbatten-Windsor claimed he had cut off all contact with Epstein in 2010, but new evidence later emerged suggesting they had continued communicating. He also denied ever meeting Giuffre and dismissed her claim that he was "profusely sweating" when they danced together, citing a medical condition. Mountbatten-Windsor further cast doubt on the authenticity of a photo showing him with his arm around Giuffre's waist. Despite the backlash, he initially said he did not regret his friendship with Epstein.

  • In October 2025, King Charles III began proceedings to strip Mountbatten-Windsor of his royal title as the Duke of York and evict him from Royal Lodge.
  • Mountbatten-Windsor moved into temporary accommodations on the king's Sandringham estate mere days before shocking archival photos from Epstein's estate were released by the Justice Department in February 2026.

The players

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The disgraced former prince who was stripped of his royal titles and evicted from his longtime home due to the fallout from his disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Virginia Giuffre

An Epstein victim who accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexually assaulting her three times, including once when she was 17 years old. Giuffre died by suicide at age 41 in April 2025.

Jeffrey Epstein

The convicted sex offender and financier whose friendship with Mountbatten-Windsor was the focus of the Newsnight interview and ultimately led to the royal's downfall.

Emily Maitlis

The Newsnight journalist who conducted the controversial interview with Mountbatten-Windsor.

King Charles III

The current British monarch who began proceedings to strip Mountbatten-Windsor of his royal title and evict him from Royal Lodge.

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What they’re saying

“Prince Andrew, he lost his royal duties, he lost the ability to wear [a] uniform, he lost the respect of the nation, and it became, I think, much more difficult for him in his place in the royal family.”

— Emily Maitlis, Newsnight Reporter (BBC News)

“There's been no trial. There's been a settlement … but we haven't had that sense of closure there.”

— Emily Maitlis, Newsnight Reporter (BBC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.