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Given he was appointed GQ's 2018 Best-Dressed Man Of The Year and fronted Burberry's ad campaign alongside British supermodel Cara Delevingne a couple of Christmases ago, Matt Smith has an impressive number of sartorial accolades under his belt.
As Prince Philip in The Crown's first and second series, however, his character does not share the same active love for fashion: “It’s an absurd pantomime, the whole thing,” he claimed in series one. “I don’t see why anyone can’t see beyond it… If the costumes are grand enough, if the tiara’s sparkly enough, if the titles are preposterous enough, the mythology comprehensible enough, then all must be fine,” Prince Philip continues.
Although critical on the surface of the grandiosity of royal dress, it does appear that even amid his aversion for it, Smith's Prince Philip did also appreciate that fashion serves as both a symbolic and physical coat of arms and status signifier, both of which are incredibly important in establishing the monarchy as an integral institution in a British society undergoing rapid change.
And for the critically acclaimed show, no detail is ever spared nor any design feature overlooked when it comes to the impressive costume design by Michele Clapton and Timothy Everest in series one, Jane Petrie in series two and Amy Roberts in series three and beyond.
Whether suited for an investiture, in black-tie for the Kennedys’ arrival dinner or opening the 1956 Australian Olympic games in military regalia, Matt Smith's Prince Philip was a superbly dressed man. If you’re looking to add some princely panache to the way you dress or just in the market for some timeless (and sufficiently monochromatic) wardrobe staples, then you would do well to take note from the leading man himself.
The double-breasted blazer
Rare was an episode in which we do not see Prince Philip donning a double-breasted blazer. Whether it was adorned with wartime medals and military embellishments as per his wedding to Elizabeth (Claire Foy) above or a more understated version to wear to the weekly gentlemen's lunch club, the DB blazer was definitely the prince's go-to jacket.
The sleeveless jumper
Much like the double-breasted blazer, the sleeveless jumper was another item that the prince had in abundance. In a classic colour palette of black, grey and navy – with the occasional inclusion of burgundy – we reckon this is something you should be replicating immediately. Not only is it something that's seen on the catwalks (Prada, Marni et al), but Tyler, The Creator and Harry Styles can't get enough of them.
The waxed jacket
You don't need to be in Balmoral for the weekend or teaching a young Prince Charles how to fish to wear a Barbour waxed jacket, for it is a hallmark of British heritage fashion (and weather). Make like Alexa Chung and the real Prince Charles and throw one over when the chill kicks in. And if you need any further convincing, the coolest brand on the planet, Supreme (what else?), collaborated with the British brand earlier this year.
The tuxedo
Because a black tuxedo is always a good idea. Sure, your events might have been cancelled or postponed in 2020, but the time will come for one.
The knitted jumper
When making his Christmas address, Prince Philip got festive with a patterned navy knitted jumper. For those of you more attuned to buying gimmicky jumpers with Santa motifs and Rudolph noses during the Christmas season, you might want to consider a more understated version such as this. You'll get a lot more wear for your money.
The safari-style shirt
A few seasons ago we saw Fendi put out a safari-cum-workwear hybrid collection, oozing with delicious leather over the shoulder bags, Bermuda shorts and camp-collar shirts. Not sure about you, but we're sure Prince Philip was on the mood board.
The embellished jacket
You may or may not have a collection of wartime medals at home to wear with a jacket, but for those of you who don't, brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Etro are consistently doubling down with their own heavily embellished tailoring.
The boiler suit
"When I got married, my in-laws made me marshal of the Royal Air Force. As a result, I'm the most senior airman in the country and I can't bloody well fly." Even though Prince Philip's was wearing an aviation boiler suit to learn how to fly, that doesn't have to be the only reason. The boiler suit, whether aviation-esque or mechanical, is having a moment, thanks to advocates such as Timothée Chalamet and Tyler, The Creator.
The travel suit
If your work takes you across the continent or indeed around the world, make sure you invest in a strong (preferably made-to-measure or bespoke) suit in a thicker cloth that doesn't crease easily, so you can go straight from arrivals to the boardroom. Paul Smith's suits to travel in are particularly good.
The double-breasted coat
To wear with your new collection of double-breasted blazers, naturally.
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Matt Smith talks playing 'outsider' Prince Phillip in Netflix's The Crown
