5 Jaw-Dropping Claims About Prince Philip's Alleged Affairs And The Royal Cover-Up

The question of whether Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was unfaithful to Queen Elizabeth II has been a persistent shadow over the British monarchy for over seven decades. As of December 18, 2025, the official stance of the Royal Family remains one of staunch denial, yet sensational claims from biographers, newly released documents, and cultural depictions like the Netflix series The Crown continue to fuel intense public curiosity. The truth is locked away in private correspondence and the memories of a few select individuals, but the sheer volume of rumors, from London showgirls to high-profile political scandals, paints a complex picture of the late Duke’s life outside the palace walls.

The alleged infidelities of Prince Philip have become a central part of his historical narrative, often overshadowing his decades of dedicated royal service. While many royal experts, including Robert Lacey, maintain there is "no solid evidence" of an affair, others suggest his reputation as a "ladies' man" was well-earned. The following is a detailed look at the most significant and explosive claims that have shadowed the Duke of Edinburgh’s long life and marriage.

The Duke of Edinburgh: A Brief Royal Biography and Profile

Prince Philip was a figure of immense historical significance, known for his sharp wit, naval career, and role as the longest-serving consort in British history. His life was marked by service, controversy, and a steadfast partnership with Queen Elizabeth II.

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• Full Name: Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark.
• Born: June 10, 1921, Mon Repos, Corfu, Greece.
• Died: April 9, 2021, Windsor Castle, England.
• Parents: Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg.
• Titles: Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich.
• Education: Gordonstoun School (Scotland), Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.
• Marriage: Married Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) on November 20, 1947.
• Children: King Charles III, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh.
• Naval Career: Served with distinction in the Royal Navy during World War II, rising to the rank of Commander.

The Five Most Persistent and Explosive Alleged Affairs

The rumors surrounding Prince Philip’s fidelity began almost immediately after his marriage to Queen Elizabeth II. These alleged liaisons span decades and involve figures from the world of theatre, ballet, and high society, creating a web of speculation that remains unbroken.

1. The Showgirl: Pat Kirkwood (1948)

The earliest and perhaps most famous rumor began in 1948, just one year after the royal wedding. Prince Philip was seen out late with Pat Kirkwood, a beautiful musical comedy star and dancer, at a London nightclub.

• The Incident: Philip and Kirkwood were reportedly seen dancing and enjoying a night out together. The press immediately jumped on the story, leading to headlines like "Rendezvous with a Prince."
• The Denial: Kirkwood consistently denied any affair for the rest of her life, even after receiving a letter from the Duke's private secretary. She once said, "A lady does not discuss her private life." The rumors, however, dogged her career for decades.
• The Royal Reaction: The Queen was reportedly unfazed, knowing her husband had a habit of enjoying male company and late nights out.

2. The Russian Ballerina: Galina Ulanova (1950s)

The rumor of an affair with Russian prima ballerina Galina Ulanova gained significant traction after being featured in the second season of The Crown.

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• The Connection: Ulanova, considered one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century, performed in London in the 1950s. The TV series implied a romantic connection during a period where Philip was shown feeling stifled by his royal role.
• The Reality: Royal commentators and historians, including Robert Lacey, quickly pointed out that there is no evidence that Prince Philip and Galina Ulanova ever even met privately, making the claim "absolute rubbish" and a fictional embellishment for the sake of drama.

3. The Spy Scandal: The Profumo Affair (1963)

A truly explosive and recently revealed claim links Prince Philip to one of the biggest British political and sex scandals of the 20th century: the Profumo Affair.

• The Documents: Top-secret FBI documents, released years after the event, suggest that Prince Philip was personally "involved" with two of the key women in the scandal: showgirls Christine Keeler and Mandy Rice-Davies.
• The Scandal: The Profumo Affair involved John Profumo, the then-Secretary of State for War, who had an affair with Keeler, who was also involved with a Soviet naval attaché. This raised serious national security concerns.
• The Royal Denial: While Philip's name appeared in the files, the documents only contain rumors passed to the FBI. There is no concrete evidence or proof of a direct sexual relationship, but the mere mention of the Duke's name in connection with the scandal is a chilling historical footnote.

4. The Family Friend: Penny Brabourne (Lady Romsey)

Lady Penny Brabourne, formerly Lady Romsey and later Countess Mountbatten of Burma, was arguably the most significant female friend in Prince Philip's later life. Their close, decades-long relationship became a fixture of royal gossip.

• The Relationship: Penny was 32 years Philip's junior and married to his cousin, Norton Knatchbull. They shared a passion for carriage driving and were often seen together at royal events. She was one of the few non-family members invited to his funeral.
• The Speculation: Their undeniable closeness led to persistent speculation of a romantic affair, particularly as they spent so much time together. However, those close to the Royal Family insist their bond was an intense, platonic friendship based on shared interests and mutual support, with the Queen's full knowledge and approval.

5. The Biographer’s Bombshell: Susan Barrantes (Sarah Ferguson’s Mother)

In a recent and highly controversial claim, historian Andrew Lownie alleged in his biography that Prince Philip had an affair with Susan Barrantes, the mother of Sarah, Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson).

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• The Claim: Lownie's book suggests that Philip was a "notorious cheater" who engaged in chronic adultery. The alleged affair with Susan Barrantes, a socialite who later died tragically, adds a new and scandalous dimension to the rumors, linking the infidelity directly to the extended Royal Family.
• The Context: This claim, like many others, relies on anecdotal evidence and the accounts of those who spoke to the biographer, not on irrefutable evidence. Nevertheless, it represents the kind of explosive, late-breaking information that continues to shape the narrative of the Duke’s private life.

The Queen’s Response and the Royal Strategy

Throughout the decades of relentless rumors, Queen Elizabeth II maintained a dignified and resolute silence. Her strategy was simple: never complain, never explain. This public stoicism was the monarchy's ultimate defense against the speculation. The Queen and Prince Philip's marriage endured for 73 years, a testament to what many believe was a deep, if unconventional, partnership.

Royal biographers like Ingrid Seward and Andrew Morton have often noted that the Queen understood her husband's need for freedom and a life outside the constraints of the palace. The alleged affairs were often framed not as a threat to the marriage, but as a necessary outlet for the energetic and restless Duke. This arrangement, sometimes described as a "separate bedrooms" or "open" marriage by sensationalists, was likely a pragmatic acceptance of her husband's character. In her own words, Philip was her "strength and stay," and their public unity never faltered, a choice that ultimately defined the public's perception of the scandal.

Ultimately, the question of "Did Prince Philip cheat?" remains unanswered by verifiable evidence. The rumors, however, are a powerful reminder of the immense pressure and scrutiny placed upon the central figures of the British monarchy, and how a private life can become an enduring public mystery.