PRINCE Philip’s funeral is taking place this week and among the chosen 30 funeral attendees is Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma.

But who is Penelope – known fondly as Penny – and how does she know the late Duke of Edinburgh?

? Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates

Who is Penelope Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma?

The 67-year-old countess – Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull, previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne – will join the monarch for the service in St George's Chapel.

She is the only daughter of Reginald Eastwood, who was a butcher-turned-businessman and was educated in Switzerland and later graduated from the London School of Economics.

Countess Mountbatten is the wife of Earl Mountbatten, Norton Knatchbull – the grandson of Philip's beloved uncle the 1st Earl Mountbatten, who was murdered by the IRA in 1979.

They have three kids together; Nicholas Knatchbull, Lord Brabourne, Lady Alexandra Hooper and The Hon. Leonora Knatchbull, who tragically passed away at the age of five from kidney cancer.

Penelope’s husband of 31 years, Lord Brabourne, left her for a Bahamian fashion designer in 2010.

What do we know of Penelope and Philip’s friendship?

Penelope became close to the Queen and Prince Philip through her husband, after they were first introduced in 1975.

A royal insider remembered her as "one of the most natural young women I have ever met, outgoing but not brash or flirty".

Philip first began teaching Penny the daredevil equestrian sport of carriage driving in 1994 and they remained firm friends for the rest of his life.

They were often pictured together at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, sometimes riding mini motorcycles around the carriage driving course.

Penelope, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma, was a regular visitor at the duke's Wood Farm cottage at Sandringham after his retirement.

Penelope has been nicknamed “and also” as a guest list is rarely complete without her attendance.

We shared Prince Philip’s funeral guest list – The 30 people attending – and those who aren’t.

The Royal Family won't wear military uniforms at the service – instead wearing morning coat with medals.

The Queen will sit alone after arriving in a Bentley with a Lady in Waiting.

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