In the second season of The Crown, which hits streaming service Netflix on Friday, details of Prince Philip’s alleged affair will be revealed.
After a hugely successful first season, this time around, The Crown delves deeper behind the palace walls and sheds light on one of the most famous couples in the world, revealing the secrets that they tried so hard to keep hidden.
But, how much is the truth?
Facing a marriage crisis after almost a decade together, Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) and Prince Philip’s (Matt Smith) relationship is more strained than ever. Philip takes off on a tour of the colonies for five months, leaving Elizabeth at home to rule England and deal with rumours of her husband’s philandering.
While these days, Elizabeth and Philip are the picture of a happy marriage – having just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary – it seems that wasn’t always the case.
Rumours of extramarital affairs have plagued the royal couple’s marriage for decades and The Crown will attempt to tackle the controversial topic.
The series cleverly dances around the issue of Philip’s alleged infidelity.
‘[There are] subtle allusions... We’re not saying [that] it’s one thing or the other. We’re allowing you to decide,’ actor Matt Smith, told The Guardian. ‘I defy anyone to be married as long as they have and it be plain sailing the whole way. As human beings, they’ve struggled.’
Philip has always had a reputation of being a ladies’ man and he has been linked to several women in the past, including actress Pat Kirkwood.
Rumours were rife that he had women on board the Royal Yacht Britannia during his world tour in 1956. However, there was no real proof Philip had been unfaithful. Philip has slammed reports that he cheated.
‘How could I? I’ve had a detective in my company, night and day, since 1947,’ he previously told biographer, Gyles Brandreth. Meanwhile, the Queen has never spoken publicly about the rumours.
While The Crown can only guess at what really happened, the one thing we know for sure is they have always stood by each other through thick and thin.
As well as the high-profile couple’s marital woes, The Crown also delves into historical events such as the Suez Canal Crisis, John F. Kennedy’s presidency and Princess Margaret’s relationship with photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones.
The Crown launches Friday on Netflix!
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