<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 Art Newspaper US Edition & L’Officiel USA subscription

'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

Beauty

The Rich Simplicity of Augustinus Bader's New Body Cream

Fashion

Lisa's Best Style Moments

Fashion

All of Sarah Pidgeon's Best Minimalist Looks

Film & TV

'Love Story' Episode 9 Summary: How JFK Jr. And CBK's Story Ended

Music

Alex Warren and Kouvr Annon's Complete Relationship Timeline

Film & TV

Will 'Love Story' Have A Second Season?

Fashion

All Of The Celebrity Red Carpet Looks At The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Travel & Living

All The Best Spots To Catch Peak Cherry Blossom Season in NYC