Matt Smith keeps a low profile as he steps out without girlfriend Lily James in New York... as he prepares to reprise his role as Prince Phillip in The Crown

He is about to return to screens again on Friday, as Prince Phillip in the much-anticipated second series of The Crown.

But Matt Smith appeared far happier keeping a low profile on Thursday as he headed out and about in New York, keeping wrapped up against the freezing December weather.

The 35-year-old actor rocked a Burberry-esque scarf as he stepped out into The Big Apple, teaming the accessory with a mixture of prints.

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Leading man: Despite playing a member of royal family in The Crown, Matt preferred to keep a low profile on Thursday as he headed out and about in New York

Leading man: Despite playing a member of royal family in The Crown, Matt preferred to keep a low profile on Thursday as he headed out and about in New York

Matt rocked a checked tweed jacket over a striped t-shirt for the look, along with simple black jeans and trainers, going hat-less to keep his voluminous quiff on full display.

Rocking quirky cat-eye style sunglasses, the former Dr Who star headed out into the city unnoticed, ahead of the release of The Crown's second series on Friday (December 8).

Matt has been in New York promoting the Netflix series along with co-star Claire Foy, but the screen star enjoyed to alone-time with beau Lily James on Wednesday.

Wrapped up: Matt rocked a Burberry-esque scarf in an mixture of prints as took a break from promoting the upcoming second season of the Netflix series

Wrapped up: Matt rocked a Burberry-esque scarf in an mixture of prints as took a break from promoting the upcoming second season of the Netflix series

Cosy: Matt rocked a checked tweed jacket along with a striped top, jeans and black trainers, as well as cat-eye sunglasses

Cosy: Matt rocked a checked tweed jacket along with a striped top, jeans and black trainers, as well as cat-eye sunglasses

Royal role: Matt will return to screens on Friday (December 8) as a young Prince Phillip in Netflix series The Crown

Royal role: Matt will return to screens on Friday (December 8) as a young Prince Phillip in Netflix series The Crown

Drama: In the second series, Claire Foy's Elizabeth will come to terms with Phillips alleged infidelities

Drama: In the second series, Claire Foy's Elizabeth will come to terms with Phillips alleged infidelities

Opting for a distinctive leopard print coat, former Downton Abbey star Lily looked typically stylish while walking arm in arm with her beau.

Opting to keep it simple, the actress added to her look with a conventional black top, while matching retro-cut jeans and Reebok trainers rounded things off. 

Walking alongside his girlfriend, Matt looked equally casual in his own black top and jeans, teamed with a stylish winter coat. 

On another chilly day the actor completed his look with a monochrome beanie hat, while a simple striped scarf proved to be a distinctive addition to his ensemble. 

Stepping out: Work commitments were put to one side as Lily James and Matt Smith made their latest appearance in New York on Wednesday afternoon

Stepping out: Work commitments were put to one side as Lily James and Matt Smith made their latest appearance in New York on Wednesday afternoon

Take a walk on the wild side like Lily in Burberry

Look inside the wardrobe of any style icon and you'll find one thing in common: a leopard print coat!

Kate Moss is rarely seen without one, and Alexa Chung has an enviable collection too. Clearly their classic appeal with a rock 'n' roll edge is hard to resist.

Lily James is the latest celeb to get involved, opting for a luxe leopard print style by Burberry, featuring a gorgeous wool-and-alpaca material and stylish contrast black collar.

It has now sold out, but fret not because we've hunted down the best similar styles out there if you want to be a leopard lover like Lily.

Biba have a great spitting image design in a lush velvet material you can find in the edit below, along with more options from Hallhuber, Topshop and H&M.

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED

The second season of The Crown, which is released on December 8, will paint an unflattering portrait of Prince Philip as an adulterer.

Scenes show the Duke of Edinburgh being tempted by a flirtatious Jackie Kennedy during her visit to Buckingham Palace in 1961.

Meanwhile the Queen's suspicions of infidelity are aroused after she finds a picture of a dancer in his bag - believed to represent Pat Kirkwood, the real-life dancer he was once linked to.

The Netflix show also suggests he was romantically involved with women on a 1956-7 tour of Commonwealth countries without his wife, aboard the HMY Britannia. 

Out and about: With winter temperatures soaring, the couple wrapped up as they ventured out in the city, where Matt has been promoting the second series of The Crown

Out and about: With winter temperatures soaring, the couple wrapped up as they ventured out in the city, where Matt has been promoting the second series of The Crown

Previously: Earlier that day Matt was seen heading back to the Bowery Hotel in New York 

Previously: Earlier that day Matt was seen heading back to the Bowery Hotel in New York 

 

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