Prince Andrew hired PR consultant Jason Stein in 2019 to help repair his public image following mounting scrutiny over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Stein, a former communications advisor for prominent British politicians, was brought on to manage crisis messaging and prepare the Duke for upcoming interviews and media appearances. However, within just 28 days of being hired, Stein abruptly left the role. Reports suggest he clashed with Andrew’s private secretary and that his professional advice—particularly his warning against doing the now-infamous BBC Newsnight interview—was ignored. His departure reflected a deep dysfunction inside Andrew’s inner circle, where strategy and ego collided in spectacular fashion.

The PR fallout from that failed collaboration became one of the most catastrophic in royal history. Against Stein’s judgment, Andrew proceeded with the Newsnight interview, which was intended to clear his name but instead destroyed his reputation. The televised appearance led to his suspension from royal duties and a wave of public outrage. Stein’s quick exit, just 28 days into his tenure, symbolized how unmanageable the prince’s crisis had become—and how no communications expert could salvage his self-inflicted collapse.

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