Prince Philip role felt 'squashed' by Queen Mother says expert

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The Queen was “torn between” her mother and Prince Philip in the early days of her reign, according to royal experts. The Queen Mother, who was also adjusting to her new role following her husband’s death, clashed with her son-in-law over his bids to “modernise” the monarchy. Commentators joined Channel 4 documentary, ‘Queen Elizabeth: Love, Honour and Crown’, to speak about the Duke of Edinburgh’s plot to drive the senior female royal out of Buckingham Palace.

Historian Professor Kate Williams told viewers: “The Queen Mother wants Elizabeth’s monarchy to be exactly the same as George VI.

“Philip wants things to change.

“So this battle between the Queen Mother and Philip, between the past and the future, begins.

“And Elizabeth is torn in between them.”

Historian Professor Jane Ridley added: “The Queen Mother will not move, and Philip becomes exasperated by this.

“There is a story that, in the end, Philip has to resort to turning off the central heating in the Queen Mother’s apartments.

“He tries to freeze her out of Buckingham Palace.”

The Queen Mother ultimately moved out of Buckingham Palace into Clarence House and shared an apartment with her youngest daughter, Princess Margaret, until she married in 1960.

According to the documentary, in search of a role, Philip turned his attention to the Royal Household.

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Author Sarah Gristwood said: “He set about reforming some of the more arcane practices in Buckingham Palace.

“Like the powdering of footman’s wigs.

“Like sending a message verbally from one part of the giant Palace to another, rather than picking up a house phone.”

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Historian Dr Piers Brendon gave insight into the motivations behind the Duke’s plans.

He told Channel 4: “[Philip] wanted to modernise the monarchy. This is the strange thing.

“He may seem a crusty old reactionary now, but at the time, he seemed to be very much a modern man.”

Ingrid Seward, Editor-in-Chief of Majesty Magazine, stressed that the royal was met with obstacles at every step.

She said: “Every time he tried to do something, there was a problem put in his way.”

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