The royal family is constantly expanding, especially in recent years with the arrivals of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Princess Eugenie will welcome Jack Brooksbank into the family later this autumn when they tie the knot. Meghan Markle officially joined the family following her wedding to Prince Harry in May, and we’re sure the duo will welcome their own mini-mes in the future.
However, it’s a golden oldie who remains the most popular with the palace staff. Star of The Crown Matt Smith revealed which member of the family is adored the most by the staff at Kensington Palace, and you may be surprised.
He told Variety that 97-year-old Prince Philip is the most popular family member at the palace: "If you’ve talked to any of the staff, Philip’s the one they all love really. I think more than a lot of them, he’s a bit more of a man of the people.”
The actor continued: “The royal protocol hasn’t dogged him in quite the same way his whole life and there’s a sort of rebellion in him and a naughtiness and a cheekiness.”
“I think he’s quite affable and open by all accounts with the staff. They all love him.”
Matt starred as young Prince Philip during season one and two of The Crown. The Emmy nominee admitted he felt like the public had a poor view of the Duke of Edinburgh.
“I felt there was a sort of a misconception and a preconception about him, which reduced him a bit. And actually all the research I did found him to be brilliantly funny, very clever, very popular,” he admitted.
The Crown star believes the popular Netflix series has changed the public’s view of the royal family. In a way, the show helped humanize these almighty monarchs by sharing aspects, although they may be exaggerated, of their lives.
“You learn a lot more about Philip’s personal history and how that informs him now. But he’s still cantankerous old crazy Philip, whom I rather like. I know not many do," Matt added.
