**Prince Andrew Ignored Advice Against BBC Newsnight Interview, Reveals Close Friend**

Paul Tweed, a renowned media law expert and close friend of Prince Andrew, disclosed that he had cautioned the Duke of York against participating in the Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis back in 2019.

Despite the advice from Tweed, Prince Andrew proceeded with the ill-fated interview, which has since become a significant point of contention.

Tweed, a respected defamation attorney, admitted to explicitly advising Andrew against the interview due to concerns about his familiarity with the media and his trust in people.

Expressing his thoughts on the matter, Tweed described Prince Andrew as somewhat naive in his approach to handling the media and interactions with others.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by Andrew during his absence from public life for the past four years, Tweed emphasized the gravity of the situation.

The revelations came to light through the documentary “Secrets of Prince Andrew,” currently airing in the United States, where Tweed discussed his encounter with Andrew in Portrush, Northern Ireland, in 2019.

During their conversation, Tweed highlighted his reservations about the potential Newsnight interview, foreseeing it as a challenging interrogation for someone inexperienced in such media interactions.

Despite Prince Andrew's belief in his innocence and his desire to clarify the situation, Tweed was firm in his stance against proceeding with the interview.

He firmly advised Andrew against it, emphasizing the potential risks involved in such a public platform.

Reflecting on the events that unfolded, Tweed expressed his surprise at the continuation of the interview despite his explicit advice to the contrary.

He mentioned his inability to comprehend why the interview proceeded as planned, indicating a sense of bewilderment at the decision-making process that led to that moment.

Despite his involvement in facilitating the meeting between Andrew and the Newsnight team, Tweed clarified that he acted solely as a friend of the family and not in any official or professional capacity.

In a candid moment, Alan Starkey, another acquaintance of Prince Andrew, lamented the aftermath of the interview, labeling it as a regrettable decision.

Expressing his frustration, Starkey voiced his disappointment at seeing a respected figure like Prince Andrew embroiled in such controversy.

He echoed sentiments shared by others who believed that the interview did more harm than good to Andrew's public image.

The documentary sheds light on Emily Maitlis's perspective on the unfolding events, offering insights into her experiences during the interview process.

Maitlis, known for her journalistic prowess, delves into the complexities of the situation, highlighting the delicate balance between reporting the truth and protecting one's reputation.

She underscores the importance of addressing the damage caused to Prince Andrew's reputation amid his association with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted s– offender.

As the revelations continue to spark discussions and debates, the repercussions of Prince Andrew's decision to participate in the Newsnight interview remain a point of contention.

The insights provided by Tweed and other close associates offer a glimpse into the internal dynamics and external pressures faced by Prince Andrew during that tumultuous period.

Amidst the ongoing scrutiny and public discourse, the aftermath of the interview continues to reverberate within royal circles, raising questions about accountability and the impact of media interactions on public figures.