'The Crown' Season 5 on Netflix: Who is Penny Knatchbull, the 'Constant Confidante'?

Netflix's "The Crown" follows the incidents that took place in Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II's 73-year marriage (a very long period indeed). However, season 5 of the show is introducing a new woman, Penny Knatchbull, with whom the Duke of Edinburgh had a years-long affair.

The Countess met Prince Philip back in the 1970s, and the two were inseparable until his passing in 2021. She remained part of Queen Elizabeth's community and joined her at a horse show this year.

In this latest season of The Crown, it was announced that Natascha McElhone would be playing Penny Knatchbull in the royal drama. There have been recent reports that this season could also include scenes of romance between Prince and Penny.


What we know about Penny Knatchbull is that her real name is Penelope Meredith Mary Eastwood, and she was born in 1953. When Knatchbull met Prince for the first time, she was just 20 years old. At the same time, the Prince was way above double of age, 52.

Philip and Penny formed a close companionship over the years. They instituted a bonding over their love of outdoor activities, horse riding and all things equestrian. Philip even taught Penny the sport of carriage driving. They used to attend the Queen's beloved Royal Windsor Horse show many times together.

Later, Penny tied the knot with Prince Philip's godson, Lord Romsey (Norton Knatchbull), in the year 1979. Prince Charles was Romsey's best man at the wedding.

Penny had a profound role in the life of Prince Philip, and she was considered the second-most important woman in his life.

A biographer Ingrid Seward revealed in his book that she remained Prince's confidante and a loyal companion for years. They even had moments when they shared the dance floor with each other.

FAQs

What was the cause of Prince Philip's death?
The cause of Edinburgh's Duke was old age. He died on April 9, 2021, in Windsor Castle.

Was Prince Philip a cousin of the Queen?
Yes, they had the same great-great-great-grandmother, which made Prince Philip the third cousin of the Queen.