Penelope Knatchbull, officially known as Countess Mountbatten of Burma, was one of the people closest to Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
Her personal history and her relationship with the British royalty are marked by moments of great closeness and also of deep tragedies that have made her a prominent figure within the royal circle.
Penelope Knatchbull: Prince Philip’s Loyal Confidante
Born in London in 1953, Penny, as she is known to those close to her, is the daughter of Reginald Eastwood, founder of the popular Angus Steakhouse restaurant chain, and his wife Marian.
After spending her childhood in Switzerland, she returned to England to study at the London School of Economics, where she graduated in 1976. It was in those years that his destiny began to intertwine with that of the royal family.
A link to royalty
Penny entered the royal circle by marrying Norton Knatchbull, then known as Lord Romsey, who was heir to the second Countess Mountbatten of Burma and the seventh Lord Brabourne.
Her bond with the royal family was strengthened by her father-in-law, Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was Prince Philip’s beloved uncle.
However, their wedding in 1979 was marked by tragedy: two months earlier, Lord Mountbatten was assassinated by the IRA, an attack that also claimed the lives of Norton’s brother Nicholas and his grandmother, Lady Brabourne.
Prince Charles, the groom’s second cousin, was best man at the wedding, while Prince Philip acted as Norton’s best man, further sealing the special connection between the two families.
Personal losses and resilience
Penny and Norton’s marriage produced three children – Nicholas, Alexandra and Leonora. However, the family suffered a devastating blow when Leonora passed away at the age of five due to liver cancer. This profound grief led Penny to lean on Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, who became fundamental pillars for her.
In memory of Leonora, the family created the Leonora Childhood Cancer Fund, an organization that reflects their desire to turn their loss into something positive.
Penelope and Philip: An Unbreakable Friendship
It was after his daughter’s death that Prince Philip introduced Penny to the sport of carriage driving, an activity he himself practiced after leaving polo.
This shared passion further strengthened their bond, and Penny became a regular companion of the Duke of Edinburgh at equestrian events such as the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
She was also frequently seen visiting Sandringham and accompanying Philip on different activities, even on motorcycles, despite the 30 years that separated them.
According to people close to them, their relationship was much more than just a friendship. Royal experts agree that tragedy brought them together, they were there for each other through thick and thin.
Their mutual trust was such that Penny not only kept Philip’s secrets, but those of the entire royal family.
Ups and downs in their marriage
In 2010, Norton left Penny to live in the Bahamas with Lady Nuttall. However, in 2014, he returned to the family estate at Broadlands, and in recent years, Penny allowed him to return to the main house.
Broadlands, a place steeped in history, was also where then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent their honeymoon.
A special place in the heart of the Royal Family
Penny’s role in Philip’s life was demonstrated when she was included in the select group of 30 people who attended the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, being the only non-family member invited.
Notably, Penny was also present at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.