A royal media disaster recreated in 'Scoop'

As the past few weeks have shown, British royalty and the media can be an explosive mix.

The absence of the Princess of Wales after abdominal surgery in January sparked uncontrolled online speculation that was first heightened by the release of a manipulated photo, then eased by a video statement from Kate disclosing that she is being treated for cancer.

It's a reminder that when palace privacy meets public curiosity and the public interest, things can get messy.

For more evidence, watch "Scoop," a behind-the-scenes Netflix drama about a disastrous interview Prince Andrew gave in 2019 in response to allegations of sexual misconduct. Released on April 5, it stars Rufus Sewell as Andrew and Gillian Anderson as journalist Emily Maitlis, who grilled the prince for the BBC's "Newsnight" program.

The feature-length drama is a return to royal themes for "The X-Files" and "Sex Education" star Anderson, who played a leading role in series four of "The Crown," albeit as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, not as a member of the House of Windsor. Anderson says the "complex" relationship between royalty and media needs reassessment.

"Whether that's Prince Harry and his cases against the tabloids and all of the truths around that that have come to the fore, or other aspects that are becoming more public knowledge, it probably needs a proper rethink," Anderson told The Associated Press.

Prince Andrew agreed to be interviewed to address reports about his friendship with financier Jeffrey Epstein - found dead in a New York prison in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges — and allegations by a woman that she'd had sex with Andrew when she was 17 and being trafficked by Epstein.

"Scoop" is based on a book by Sam...