Penelope Knatchbull was born in London to Marian Hood and Reginald Eastwood. She was raised in Switzerland before graduating from the London School of Economics, After marrying the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Knatchbull gave birth to three children, Nicholas, Alexandra, and Leonara. 

Unfortunately, in 1991 their youngest daughter Leonora contracted liver cancer and died at just five years old. In 2010, it was reported that Earl Mountbatten was having an affair, however, Knatchbull remained dedicated to her royal duties and took over the running of the Broadlands estate, (via Hello Magazine).

Following the tragic loss of her daughter and husband, Knatchbull grew much closer with the Queen and Prince Phillip. She is often seen at royal events and accompanies Phillip at many carriage-driving shows. A friend of the royal family told Express.co.uk, "The Queen and Philip have never forgotten how Norton helped Charles get through the trials and troubles of Gordonstoun. There has always been a special feeling because of the terrible tragedies that beset his family. But they can't really forgive him for what he did to Penny."