Their close bond has sparked many rumours over they years - and now the relationship between Prince Philip and confidant Penny Knatchbull is explored in the controversial new episodes of The Crown.
The pair, who are said to have enjoyed decades of friendship, are portrayed in the Netflix hit as touching hands while Philip, played by Jonathan Pryce, moans to Penny, played by Natasha McElhone, about his marriage to the Queen.
Although the show does not depict the pair having an affair - it strongly implies their bond might have been more than friendship. However, it is something that has always been denied - including by Philip himself - and The Crown has been heavily criticised for embellishing and dramatising storylines for entertainment purposes.
