THEIR friendship spanned decades – and often raised eyebrows.
So little wonder the makers of TV’s The Crown have delved into the extraordinary relationship between Prince Philip and Penny Knatchbull in the new series of the Netflix drama.
The Countess Mountbatten of Burma – 32 years younger than the late Duke of Edinburgh, who died in April 2021 aged 99 – has been a trusted member of the Royal Family’s inner circle for years and bonded with Philip through their love of carriage driving.
She was the only non-family member at Philip’s small, Covid-restricted funeral, except for his personal secretary.
Indeed, she has been so much a part of royal life, household staff nicknamed her “And Also”, because whenever Philip listed guests who were to be invited to a royal do, he would end with “and also Penny”.