RIP PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH

1921-2021

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born in on June 10, 1921, in Mon Repos on the Greek island of Corfu. He was the only son and fifth and final child of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. On November 20, 1947, he married Princess Elizabeth, who became Queen Elizabeth in February 1952. Due to his longevity and prominent position, his name naturally entered pop culture, as it did on a few episodes of Lucille Ball sitcoms.

In “Lucy Meets The Queen” (ILL S5;E15) on January 30, 1956, Lucy and Ethel stand at the gates of Buckingham Palace, hoping for a glimpse of the Queen or Prince Philip. 

Lucy: I see a man! Do you think that might be Philip?

Ethel: I doubt it I hardly think Philip would be out wrestling ash cans. 

Ricky’s European agent is named Philip Wilcox. Although the character is unseen, his first name was chosen to coincide with Queen Elizabeth’s husband, leading to a funny misunderstanding when Ricky calls Wilcox on the phone.

Newly arrived in London, Lucy is anxious to know who has seen Queen.  She even asks the Bellhop. 

Lucy: Have you ever seen the Queen?
Bellhop: No, ma’am. But I came frightful close during the coronation. I just missed her. 

Bellhop: But I did catch a glimpse of him.

Lucy: Philip?

Bellhop: No, ma’am. Danny Kaye.

In a 1959 episode of “The Lucy–Desi Comedy Hour” “Lucy Wants A Career”, Lucy complains about how many meals she’s cooked as a housewife.

Ricky (reading Variety): It says here that Danny Kaye is going to London to give another command performance for Quinn Elizabeth.
Lucy: I wonder what the ‘Quinn’ is cooking for Philip tonight?

With the fancy ring on her finger in “Lucy and the Ring-a-Ding Ring” (TLS S5;E5) on October 10, 1966, Lucy pretends to be talking to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, even doing a curtsy. 

Lucy Ricardo practiced curtsying for Elizabeth and Philip when “Lucy Meets the Queen” (ILL S5;E15) after Ricky’s show at the Palladium.

Crazy Crackpot Conspiracy Theory! This website wonders if Prince Philip is actually Gary Morton, and if Lucy might be the Queen. 

As pop culture figures even into the 21st century, Lucy and Philip have had to face many more than their share of salacious gossip and tabloid tales. 

Like Lucy, Prince Philip’s legacy will live on!