Not many people can claim to be a close friend of both Britain's longest reigning monarch and her beloved husband.
Penelope Knatchbull, who Prince Philip described as his "keeper of secrets" before his passing last year, was the only non-royal invited to his funeral service at St George’s Chapel amid Covid restrictions.
Today, she was also seen attending the Queen's state funeral service.
Here's what you need to know about Penelope Knatchbull including how her deep friendship with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh began as well as her marriage to one of King Charles III's second cousins.
Who is Penelope Knatchbull?
Penelope Knatchbull, 69, is the Countess Mountbatten of Burma, who was born and raised in Switzerland before graduating from the London School of Economics in 1976.
A known close friend of the Royal Family, Penelope is set to feature in series five of hit Netflix series The Crown – played by British actress Natasha McElhone – which will explore her close friendship with both Prince Phillip and the Queen.
How did Penelope Knatchbull know Prince Philip and the Queen?
Penelope Knatchbull became friends with Prince Philip back in the 1990s, after he taught her the sport of carriage driving.
Penelope also became a close friend of the Queen over a shared passion for watching horseback riding.
A life-long friend of both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, she was often seen attending royal family events, including at the Royal . Windsor Horse Show earlier this year.
She was also the only non-Royal invited to Prince Philip's funeral service, which took place last April at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Who is Penelope Knatchbull married to?
Penelope Knatchbull married Norton Knatchbull, Lord Romsey in October 1979.
Norton is second cousins with King Charles III, with the monarch even serving as the best man during the couple’s wedding.
She was awarded the title Lady Romsey after marriage before becoming The Lady Brabourne in 2017 and finally the Countess Mountbatten of Burma.
Penelope and Norton had three children together ; Alexandra Knatchbull, Leonora Knatchbull and Nicholas Knatchbull. However, Leonora tragically passed away aged only five from kidney cancer.
Follow updates on the Queen's funeral procession on our live blog here.
