The Crown star Claire Foy reveals why the Netflix show delves into rumours of Prince Philip's infidelity

'It would be very weird if we made a series where we pretended Philip was entirely devoted'

Despite not being available on Netflix yet, the second season of The Crown has already caused some controversy by strongly hinting at the supposed infidelity of Prince Philip.

Actor Claire Foy — who plays Queen Elizabeth — has clarified why the show decided to delve into such rumours.

“I think ultimately it would be very weird if we made a series where we pretended that Tony Armstrong-Jones was just a photographer, that Edward VIII never had any scandal in his life, and that Prince Philip was entirely devoted to the Queen,” she told The Guardian.

“That’s not a true depiction of these people, and not a true exploration of their characters. It would be like saying that the Queen was never away from her children.”

One scene during the second season — which reportedly cost $100 million overall — sees Phillip, played by former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, being flirtatious with Jackie Kennedy during her 1961 Buckingham Palace visit.

The show also suggests the Duke's romantic involvement with numerous women on his 1956 tour of the Commonwealth countries.

The Crown’s second season reaches Netflix 8 December — read our review here.