LEONORA Knatchbull, five-year-old great-granddaughter of the late Earl
Mountbatten of Burma, died in a London hospital yesterday after a
14-month fight against cancer.
On Sunday night, when it became clear her life was ebbing away, she
was visited in St Bartholomew's hospital by the Princess of Wales, a
close friend of her family.
The Princess was accompanied on her last visit by Leonora's parents
Lord Romsey, grandson of Earl Mountbatten, and his wife, Penny.
The little girl first became ill while on holiday with her parents in
Majorca in August, 1990.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, who were also holidaying on the
island, comforted the family while King Juan Carlos, Leonora's
godfather, arranged for her to be flown home.
During a long course of treatment for a kidney tumour, including major
doses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Leonora showed great bravery and
cheerfulness.
In June, millions of television viewers saw her smiling and laughing
as she watched the RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace
after the Trooping the Colour.
Wearing a vivid red hat that hid her hair loss, she was seen joining
in the fun with Princess Beatrice and Prince Harry during the Queen's
official birthday celebrations.
Little more than two months ago, Leonora and her 10-year-old brother
Nicholas, sister Alexandra, eight, and their parents joined the Prince
and Princess of Wales on their summer Mediterranean cruise.
They set off with high hopes after an improvement in her condition,
but she became unwell again when the family returned to Broadlands, the
Romsey estate in Hampshire.
Last night, a stream of floral tributes had begun arriving at the
stately home, a number of them from residents of nearby Romsey where
Leonora and her sister were often seen with their parents and nanny.
Lord and Lady Romsey, who have raised millions of pounds for the
Wessex Cancer Trust since becoming joint presidents 11 years ago,
announced that Leonora's funeral would be held at Romsey Abbey on
Saturday.
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