For an entire generation of Americans, Prince Philip was an empty list. “People had some sense that he was this older gentleman with Elizabeth, but he really didn’t have a specific sense of who he was and who he was,” said Arianne Chernock, an associate professor of history at Boston University.
But without a doubt, the “Crown” helps stimulate interest in royalty among young Americans.
“99 and out, but what a half. And what a style. Thank you for your old service – it won’t be the same without you,” the Emmy-nominated actor said.
The “crown” highlights the difficult changes the young couple faced as Elizabeth became queen earlier in the marriage than expected. It also shows how, in an age full of chauvinism and sexism, the need for Philip to fall behind his wife was tested.
“The role of the prince consort is really challenging and those who took on this role had very little precedent to study and very little sense of the concrete job description heading towards this position,” Chernock said.
And, although through modern eyes, many Americans have now formed a look at Prince Philip because of the “Crown.”
Mary McClelland, a fan of the show who lives in Chicago, said that her opinion of the queen’s husband was neutral before watching the Netflix series.
“I don’t think he’s the best father in the world. I think he did his best with what he could do at the time and in the society he lived in and the generation he’s in,” McClelland said. for CNN, before Philip’s death. . “But I don’t necessarily blame him for who he is.”
Although many Americans may not have had a firm impression of Prince Philip, his reputation in Britain has evolved over the decades.
“In fact, he has a pretty huge personality. And in the UK, he’s certainly known for a number of wrong steps,” Chernock said in a CNN interview before Philip’s death. “So, his sense of humor and fun can sometimes get him in trouble.”
“I think the show has come a long way in humanizing him, in showing the man behind the crown,” said Debra Birnbaum, a former executive editor at Variety, before Philip’s death. “There’s a more layered perspective on who the guy is … for better or worse.”
Tobias Menzies, who played an older Philip in the final seasons of the show, quoted Shakespeare when he paid homage to the late king.
For some avid fans, each episode of “The Crown” took a trip on the Internet to learn more about the people involved, including Prince Philip.
“It made me do more research on him and every aspect of the show,” said McClelland, communications director for nonprofits. “How intense and crazy his education was for me, it was just fascinating. I mean, if he were a modern man, I would have wanted, “get into therapy right away! ””
But, she added: “You know, the current royal families seem to worship and love him. And so whatever the dynamic, his grandchildren, every time they talk about him and in articles, it’s just that it’s a legend”.
Birnbaum said Peter Morgan, the show’s creator and writer, worked hard to keep the “Crown” based on reality.
“You will never know what two people said in a private conversation, but you will know the facts,” Birnbaum said. “It simply came to our notice then [Prince Philip] he lost his favorite sister in a plane crash and then became a pilot. That speaks to a very interesting kind of human being. ”
Prince Philip also played an important role in modernizing the monarchy – something highlighted in the show. “His commitment to technology, for example, supporting family filming or trying to upgrade systems at Buckingham Palace, was part of that,” Chernock said. “And it’s definitely a probe house for Elizabeth and she stayed in class.”
In fact, after all these years together, Elizabeth’s success may be due in part to the man she married. The man so many Americans knew so little about the “Crown.”
“Why is Elizabeth successful? She’s successful because she was really steadfast,” Chernock said. “I think Philip has a lot to do with this.”
CNN’s Eoin McSweeney contributed to the report.