Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz reveals her unexpected reaction to a dramatization of Prince Andrew's infamous Newsnight interview.

According to the Daily Mail, Weisz shared her thoughts on the Amazon series "A Very Royal Scandal" during a conversation with her longtime friend Emily Maitlis at the Cliveden Literary Festival.

The actress expressed empathy for Prince Andrew's portrayal in the drama, which recreates Maitlis's controversial 2019 interview.

Emotional Response From Weisz To Prince Andrew

Weisz, 54, praised Michael Sheen's performance as the disgraced royal, highlighting the humanity and pathos brought to the character.

She admitted to feeling "terribly for Prince Andrew" while watching the series and noted the empathy with which his character was portrayed.

What I love so much about the series is the empathy with which Prince Andrew is played, and the pathos and humanity in this character, which is something that the writer and Michael Sheen had to invent. That was an imaginative act. [I was] watching the drama and feeling just so terrible, I felt terribly for Prince Andrew.

Actress Praises Portrayal of Prince Andrew

The "The Mummy" star emphasized the imaginative act required by both the writer and Sheen to inject humanity into Prince Andrew's character.

Maitlis, who served as executive producer on the Amazon series, revealed that she sought advice from Weisz during the production process. The former Newsnight presenter described Weisz as her "oldest friend" and turned to her for guidance on how much of herself to reveal to the production team.

Weisz expressed concern for her friend's privacy, stating that she felt "incredible anxiety" about Maitlis opening up her life to the production crew. The actress admitted to feeling protective and attempting to offer advice to Maitlis during the process.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights from Emily Maitlis

In the new series, Maitlis is portrayed by actress Ruth Wilson. The drama offers a glimpse into Maitlis's personal life, showing her interacting with her family and even drinking vodka from her freezer.

Maitlis's involvement in the production extended beyond her role as executive producer. She provided Wilson with personal items, including her own jacket and handbag, to use on set, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the portrayal.

The former Newsnight presenter also shared that as a child, she had attempted to interest Weisz in a career in news, though unsuccessfully. This anecdote highlights the longstanding friendship between the two women and their divergent career paths.

Star-Studded Support at Literary Festival

Weisz was accompanied to the Cliveden Literary Festival by her husband, actor Daniel Craig. The 56-year-old James Bond star sported a notably different look from his on-screen persona, opting for a more casual appearance with floppy hair, stone-washed denim jeans, and a leather jacket.

During her appearance on Good Morning Britain, Maitlis reflected on the historic 2019 interview with Prince Andrew. She described experiencing palpitations while watching the drama, as it reminded her of the pressure she felt to ask the right questions during the actual interview.

Maitlis noted that Prince Andrew's candid responses during the interview were unexpected, and she realized early on that his words would make history regardless of what he said. She emphasized that the interview was intended to be a document of public record.

Reflections on a Historic Interview

Maitlis carefully addressed her impressions of Prince Andrew after the interview, suggesting that he appeared to be trying hard to remember his lines. She revealed that the prince wanted to film additional segments, particularly to expand on his Pizza Express alibi.

The journalist expressed concerns about the fallout from the interview, acknowledging its impact on Prince Andrew's family. While she doesn't regret conducting the interview, Maitlis noted her concern for anyone experiencing a drop in status.

In conclusion, Rachel Weisz's unexpected sympathy for Prince Andrew's portrayal in "A Very Royal Scandal" offers a nuanced perspective on the dramatization of real events.

Emily Maitlis's insights into the production process and her reflections on the original interview provide valuable context to this complex story. The star-studded support at the literary festival underscores the ongoing interest in this pivotal moment in recent royal history.