A Comprehensive Analysis of Historical Inaccuracies in "The Crown": The Duke of Edinburgh's Portrayal

The Crown is a beloved Hulu series that tackles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from her Coronation in 1953 to her early years as queen. While the show has won numerous accolades, it is not without its critics. In this article, we analyze some of the historical inaccuracies in the portrayal of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, as depicted in the Netflix series.

Prince Philip: A Mismatched Misperception

One of the most notable inaccuracies in the first season is the representation of Prince Philip as a "total outsider," described as a "continental foreigner" or "too minor" royalty. This misperception is completely at odds with the facts of his royal lineage. His roots are deeply embedded in British royal history, and his British heritage is much more pronounced than what the series suggests.

Prince Philip's Royal Lineage

1. Danish Connection: Prince Philip was the grandson of Prince Christian of Denmark. Christian was appointed King of Greece (but never ruled), and Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice, was born in Britain and was raised in the British royal family. She was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, joining the Battenberg family, a morganatic offshoot of the Danish royal family.

2. British Life: Even though Philip had a diverse upbringing, a significant portion of his early childhood was spent in Britain. From the age of seven, he lived in Kensington Palace with his maternal grandmother, Princess Victoria, who was also a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. This upbringing solidifies his place in the British royal establishment, dispelling the notion of him being a mere outsider.

Philandering and Royal Protocol: Beyond the Whinge

The series heavily accentuates Prince Philip's confessions of philandering, which is not entirely without basis in reality but is exaggerated for dramatic effect. Beyond this, the series portrays Philip as a perpetual whiner and complainer, a portrayal that is compounded by the dialogue and acting. Let's explore whether this overly dramatic depiction is supported by the historical facts.

Respect and Understanding of Royal Duties

1. Resolved Royal Duties: Prince Philip's complaints about having to walk behind the Queen during her Coronation, his whinging about royal duties, and his air of emasculation, are not based on a lack of understanding. He was raised in a disciplined and rigorous environment, attending Gordonstoun school and serving as a Royal Navy officer. These experiences would have equipped him with the ability to understand and respect the balance between public protocol and family life.

2. Strides in Perspective: Given his background, it is more likely that Prince Philip would have taken such duties in stride, rather than portraying a whiny and mean demeanor. The series' portrayal oversimplifies his position and his personal challenges.

The Royal House Nonsense: An Unfounded Claim

The accuracy of the claim that Philip and Lord Mountbatten agreed to change the royal house name to "Mountbatten" upon the Queen's accession is also questionable. This suggestion is likely a dramatization without historical basis. In fact, the royal house name for women acceding to the throne remains their father's house name, as is the case with Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.

1. Historical Precedent: Queen Victoria was of the House of Hanover, while King Edward VII was of the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Similarly, Queen Anne was a Stuart, and Mary I was a Tudor. These patterns hold true for Queen Elizabeth II, who is of the House of Windsor, and the change in the royal house name does not occur upon her accession but might be carried forward to her descendants.

2. The True Nonsense: The real issue of the family/house name occurred in 1959-1960, when Prince Andrew's birth raised questions about his surname if he used one. The suggestion that Philip was compared to an amoeba due to the surname issue is more accurate, but the series mistakenly ties this to the Queen's accession.

A Bonus Whinge: Philip's Voice

Another aspect that stands out in the series is the inconsistency in Prince Philip's accent. Matt Smith's portrayal involves a shifting accent, ranging from a West London accent to a posh Eton-educated voice, often within the same sentence. While poor acting is not entirely to blame, it is disappointing that the series did not provide more consistent direction for Philip's accent to add authenticity to his character.

Conclusion

In summary, "The Crown" takes some creative liberties in its portrayal of Prince Philip. While some elements are truthful, others are exaggerated, misinformed, or simply do not align with historical facts. This analysis provides a balanced view of the historical inaccuracies in the televised version of Prince Philip's life, highlighting the need for viewers to approach such series with a critical eye.