Photo: Paul Fievez/ANL/Shutterstock
The Crownspent four seasons chronicling the ups and downs inQueen ElizabethandPrince Philip’s 73-year marriage, but in season 5, another woman with whom the Duke of Edinburgh had a long-lasting relationship enters the picture: Penny Knatchbull.
Once called the “keeper of secrets” forPrince Philip, Penny first met the late Queen andPrince Philipin 1974. She later married the Duke of Edinburg’s godson, Norton Knatchbull, and the pair had three children together.
CalifornicationandThe Truman Showactress Natascha McElhone portrays Penny in season 5 of Netflix’s fictional drama centered on the British royals.The Crown’s fifth season also sees Jonathan Pryce step into the role ofPrince Philipand Imelda Staunton as the third and finalQueen Elizabethin the series.
Penelope Knatchbull and Natascha McElhone.Chris Barham/ANL/Shutterstock ; Dave Benett/Getty
So who is the Countess of Mountbatten? Here’s everything to know aboutPrince Philip’s close confidant, Penny Knatchbull.
She was born in London
Penelope “Penny” Eastwood was born in London on April 16, 1953, just six weeks beforeQueen Elizabeth’s coronation. She is also a graduate of the London School of Economics.
She first met Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 1974
Mark Cuthbert/UK Press
Penny’s first encounter with the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen was in 1974. Though Philip was 32 years Penny’s senior, the pair developed a close friendship over the years, bonding over their love of outdoor activities and all things equestrian. Philip taught Penny the sport of carriage driving, according toYahoo, and they often attended the Queen’s beloved Royal Windsor Horse show alongside the monarch.
She married Prince Philip’s godson
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On Oct. 20, 1979, she wed Prince Philip’s godson, Norton Knatchbull, Lord Romsey. Not only didPrince Charlesserve as Norton’s best man, the Knatchbulls' eventual home — Broadlands in Hampshire — had been the destination where Philip and then-Princess Elizabeth spent their honeymoon in 1947. (Charles also tookPrincess Dianato Broadlands for a few days during their 1981 honeymoon.)
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She has three children
Penny and Lord Romsey welcomed three children together: son Nicholas and daughters Alexandra and Leonora. However, in 1991, the couple’s 5-year-old daughter Leonora died of kidney cancer. Philip, whose family was also enduring trying times leading up to their 1992 “annus horribilis,” offered his support during the tragedy.
In the years since, the Knatchbulls' two older children, Nicholas and Alexandra, have given them two grandchildren.
She was the “second-most important woman” in Prince Philip’s life
In 2020’sPrince PhilipRevealed, biographer Ingrid Seward wrote that, over the years, Penny became the “second-most important woman in the Duke of Edinburgh’s life — a constant confidante, loyal companion and ‘keeper of secrets.’ "
Seward also recalled a moment from the pair’s decades-long friendship, describing how Penny and Philip shared a spin on the dance floor.
“When I saw Philip and Penny gilding around the dance floor at the Royal Yacht Squadron Ball during Cowes Week, neither of them gave a damn who saw them or what anyone might say.”
She attended Prince Philip’s intimate funeral in 2021
Penny remained a steady companion to Philip in his final years. She visited him frequently at Sandringham after his retirement in 2017, and she was one of the30 invited guestswhen his April 2021 funeral was drastically pared down due to COVID safety precautions.
“She looked heartbroken when she arrived at the funeral and she is heartbroken,” aides told theExpressat the time. “She’s lost her best friend.”
Penny alsoattended Queen Elizabeth’s funeralon Sept. 19, 2022.
Seasons 1–4 ofThe Crownare streaming on Netflix now.
source: people.com
