The most popular royal among palace staff is not Meghan or Kate

Prince Philip has a reputation for being a bit too frank when out in the public, but it turns out he’s the most popular royal family member among palace staff. According to Matt Smith, who played the Duke of Edinburgh in “The Crown,” the 97-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth is beloved among staff.

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are arguably the most loved royals among the public, but beyond palace walls, they’ve got nothing on Philip’s popularity. According to Smith, it’s the prince consort who really captured the staff’s hearts.

“All the research I did found him to be brilliantly funny, very clever, very popular,” Smith was quoted by Marie Claire as saying. “In the Royal house, he’s the most popular of all of them. If you’ve talked to any of the staff, Philip’s the one they all love really.”

Philip, to outsiders, has had his share of gaffes for speaking plainly. He has hit tabloid headlines a few times when he uttered comments that weren’t so politically correct. But again, Smith said it was all part of his charm.

“He’s a bit more of a man of the people. The royal protocol hasn’t dogged him in quite the same way his whole life and there’s a sort of rebellion in him and a naughtiness and a cheekiness. I think he’s quite affable and open by all accounts with the staff,” the former “Doctor Who” star said. “They all love him.”

Philip retired from his royal duties in August 2017. He was admitted to the hospital in April for a hip replacement, forcing him to miss the family’s annual Maundy and Easter Sunday services. He was able to attend grandson Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan in May. However, it has been reported he might skip granddaughter Princess Eugenie’s wedding to Jack Brooksbank in October.