Matt Smith, who starred as younger Prince Philip, announced he's leaving show

Hugh Laurie who starred in Old Etonian and House lined up as replacement

Creator Peter Morgan ‘very keen’ on Laurie to portray Philip in middle age

Hugh Laurie, 58, is being lined up to play Prince Philip in the third series of The Crown

He's known for his caustic one-liners, not to mention the occasional flash of temper. So who better to play the Duke of Edinburgh than Hugh Laurie?

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The Mail on Sunday understands the Old Etonian actor is being lined up to replace Matt Smith, who starred as the younger Prince Philip, in the third series of the hit Netflix drama The Crown, which covers the period from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Creator Peter Morgan – who has already announced that Olivia Colman, 44, will play the Queen, taking over from Claire Foy – is said to be ‘very keen’ on Laurie to portray Philip in middle age.

If the 58-year-old accepts the role, it would mean renewing his partnership with Miss Colman that was so successful in the BBC’s The Night Manager.

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Pictured: Matt Smith as Prince Philip with co-star Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II

One source said: ‘Hugh’s name has been swirling around for a long while now and it hasn’t yet stopped – he is the sort of big name that would draw in viewers. He and Olivia were formidable on The Night Manager and bosses of The Crown would love to recreate that.

‘Other actors have been considered, but Hugh is viewed as the perfect choice.’

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Helena Bonham Carter will play Princess Margaret in the next series, replacing Vanessa Kirby.