The Sun: “This is a relationship which naturally raised a few eyebrows and sparked quite a few whispers, but Philip and Penny maintained they were just friends. “The makers of The Crown believe it is a relationship worthy of exploring and casting a veteran actor like Natascha is a reflection of how high profile the role is.”It was confirmed earlier this year that Her Majesty will be played by Nanny McPhee star Imelda Staunton.
Penny was considered a close confidante of Prince Philip's and was known to be a loyal companion who stayed with him regularly at Wood Farm.
The aristocrat is thought to have met Philip in 1974 when she was dating Norton Knatchbull, now the 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma, one of Prince Charles's closest friends at.
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