The lasting love story of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip is exceptional; nonetheless, some express skepticism regarding Philip's devotion.
The couple encountered each other when the young princess was merely 13, and their romance ultimately developed into a 73-year marriage that endured till his death. Actor Michael Sheen has unexpectedly asserted that the Prince "had affairs throughout his life."
The Welsh actor disclosed the infidelity accusations on an episode of Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre podcast. He was present to discuss his experience portraying Prince Andrew in "A Very Royal Scandal," which centered on the Duke of York's notorious and disastrous Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis.
Michael discussed how Prince Andrew had been "compelled into a divorce" from Sarah Ferguson. The couple divorced in 1996 after a decade of marriage.
''Yeah, well, that's the story. Apparently, Prince Philip, who had been having, allegedly, affairs all his life, didn't like it when Sarah Ferguson had an affair, and it got out into the papers, and he felt...he just didn't like he," he said.
Michael stated that he disapproved of her character. He purportedly said that Prince Philip must divorce her. Michael felt a degree of sympathy since you may recall that there was another American actress, Koo Stark, with whom he had a significant romance, and he was informed that he could not be with her either.
In another part of the discussion, Michael contemplated his depiction of the Prince and expressed concern that he may have rendered the character excessively amiable.
"Because I was a bit worried that, so having done it and filmed it and everything, I was a bit worried because people started saying, like, you sort of, you maybe meet up with the director when you do some ADR, like sound stuff later, and then you maybe, you know, meet up with the producers when you do a screening and that kind of thing," he added.
''And people were starting to say, you know, people kind of quite like him in your performance.'I said, no, I don't want to be the person who made everyone like Prince Andrew. But the problem is, you know, once I agree to do something, at the moment where I say yes to it, that's the moment where I have to decide whether I think, you know, the whole piece is being done responsibly or whether I agree with what's sort of being said about these characters and all that kind of stuff," Michael furthered.
''Because then once I go into it, then, you know, it's just all about playing this character. And I have to forget what my opinions are about that person," he concluded.
The 2019 Newsnight interview, commonly regarded as a "car-crash," included Prince Andrew discussing his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in an unguarded manner with Maitlis. The royal utilized the interview to categorically refute allegations of engaging in sexual relations with 17-year-old Virginia Giuffre, asserting that he was at Pizza Express in Woking on the date the incident allegedly occurred.
It inflicted significant harm on Prince Andrew's reputation and is perceived by many as a major factor in his decline. Shortly after its broadcast, the duke declared his withdrawal from royal responsibilities, stating that the Epstein affair had caused a "significant disruption" to the Royal Family.
Prince Andrew has since disbursed a financial settlement to Giuffre, so effectively concluding a civil case initiated against him in the United States. The out-of-court settlement acknowledged no liability, and Prince Andrew has consistently denied any misconduct allegations.
Michael's remarks against Prince Philip and Prince Andrew have incited fervent discourse online, with social media users expressing polarized viewpoints.
“If true, Philip’s hypocrisy is shocking. The monarchy needs more transparency," one royal fan wrote. “This is nothing but baseless gossip. Let Prince Philip’s legacy rest in peace," another netizen commented.
“The royal family’s double standards are astonishing. They demand loyalty but don’t practice it themselves," a third source noted. “Sheen’s portrayal of Andrew was too soft. Royals shouldn’t get a free pass," a fourth netizen added.
“These rumors have been around for years. If they were true, wouldn’t there be proof by now?” another royal fan asked. “The royals are fascinating, but this feels like digging up dirt for no reason," another netizen furthered.
Business Times has reached out to King Charles and Prince Andrew for comments.
