<p>The series will show Prince Philip's friendship with a countess 30 years younger than himself.</p>

<p style="text-align: left;">The upcoming season of Netflix's hit series <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/the-crown-season-5-princess-diana-elizabeth-debicki" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Crown</em></a> could infuriate the British royal family as it is expected to explore the controversial relationship between the Queen's husband <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/queen-elizabeth-coronation-fascinating-facts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prince Philip</a> and Countess Penelope Knatchbull, 30 years his junior. The intimacy between the two gave rise to rumors about a possible affair. Last April, during the funeral of the Queen's husband, Penelope was seen crying as she left the ceremony.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The expectation is that Season 5 will be released next year and will feature actress Imelda Staunton as <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/queen-elizabeth-young-photos-wedding-coronation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queen Elizabeth II</a>. Jonathan Pryce will play the role of Prince Philip and Natascha McElhone will play the countess.</p>

GettyImages-87227696.jpg

<p style="text-align: left;">The Countess is married to Norton Knatchbull, 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma, grandson of Lord Mountbatten, who was very close to the Queen's husband. The relationship between Philip and the countess always drew a lot of attention, but they always said that what existed between them was just friendship. The choice of casting an actress like McElhone by the producers reveals how this role will carry an important weight for the plot. However, it's very unlikely that the royal family welcomes the representation of this relationship on the small screen.</p>

'The Crown' Season 5 Will Cover This Major Royal Controversy

'The Crown' Season 5 Will Cover This Major Royal Controversy

Tags

Related Articles

Film & TV

All the Princess Diana Fashion Moments in 'The Crown' Season 4

Film & TV

See Elizabeth Debicki as Princess Diana in 'The Crown' Season 5

Pop culture

Is 'The Crown' Really Filmed at Buckingham Palace?

Recommended posts for you

Pop culture

Why a Girl’s Journal Might Be Her Most Precious Possession

Pop culture

Pamela Anderson Says Her Career Renaissance Is "A Second Chance"

Film & TV

Everything To Know About the 2026 Golden Globes

Fashion

All The Spring/Summer 2026 Campaigns To Keep On Your Radar

Fashion

This Season's Must-Have Accessory Is The Mini Handbag

Film & TV

Will Callum Turner Be The Next James Bond?

Fashion

Willy Chavarria’s Womenswear Era Has Arrived

Beauty

Unlock Spa-Level Radiance With the Best At-Home Facial Devices