The relationship between Prince Philip and Penny Knatchbull has returned to the spotlight, with reports suggesting that the Queen was left distressed by renewed focus on the late Duke’s friendships.
According to a report from Woman’s Day, the Queen was allegedly furious about plans to include Prince Philip’s connection to Penny Knatchbull in the upcoming season of The Crown. The claim suggests that the monarch has long been aware of her husband’s flirtatious nature and the rumors that surrounded him throughout their marriage.
The report states that with Prince Philip no longer alive, the Queen’s main concern is protecting his legacy. A source claimed that the creators of the Netflix series are more interested in boosting ratings than in considering the Queen’s feelings.
In the first season of The Crown, the friendship between Prince Philip and Knatchbull was briefly mentioned, and the show’s ratings reportedly spiked as a result. The tabloid suggests that the producers may revisit the relationship to generate further interest in the next season.
The source added that this time, the Queen does not have Philip around to address the rumors in person. The insider described the timing as cruel, especially while Her Majesty is still in mourning, but noted that it is highly likely the writers will move forward with their plans regardless.
The report also acknowledged that the Queen rarely showed any hurt over the rumors about her husband. Philip was known for his flirtatious behavior, and the Queen reportedly joked about his nature. If she was ever hurt by the speculation, she never let it show.
There has been no official confirmation about the direction of The Crown season five. It remains unclear whether the storyline involving Penny Knatchbull will be included, and the tabloid’s claims appear to be based on speculation.
Prince Philip and the Queen were married for more than seven decades before his passing. Their long marriage suggests a deep understanding of one another, and it is unlikely the Queen would have tolerated behavior that crossed serious lines.
The recent reports appear to be exploiting the couple’s relationship, particularly at a time when the Duke of Edinburgh is no longer around to respond.