Leonora Knatchbull’s death and the tragic story that unfolded at the heart British aristocracy

Doctors thought she was getting better. Her siblings and parents took her on vacation in the summer with Charles, Diana, Prince William, and Harry. However, she fell ill shortly afterwards. Later that year, Diana visited Leonora at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. Leonora later died on October 22, 1991.

No parent should have their child buried. For the Knatchbull family however, it was another fatal blow.

It was only 12 years ago, in the summer 1979. Lord MountbattenPrince Philip, the uncle of the prince, boarded his 30-foot boat in County Sligo. His oldest daughter Patricia, John Knatchbull Lord Brabourne, was there with him, as well as their youngest, the 14 year-old identical twins Nicholas (and Timothy). Paul Maxwell (15-years-old) and Lady Brabourne (15-years-old), were also present. The bomb planted by the Irish Republican Army was detonated a few hundred meters away from Mulagmore.

Norton Knatchbull, his five brothers, grandfather, brother, and other relatives were all killed in a single explosion. Paul Maxwell was also killed in the explosion. Timothy Maxwell, their parents, and Timothy, the survivor twin, were both seriously injured and were taken out of the water by fishermen.

It is difficult to grasp the consequences of such violence. Timothy wrote later on his website about his book. A clear blue sky: Surviving the Mountbatten BombI was left with a legacy of emotional and mental wounds from the bombing. After more than 20+ years, I decided to take care of myself. I returned to Ireland after a year of private visits. There, I had a vital operation that allowed Nicholas, my identical twin , to be buried.