Tricia was born in Bangalore in 1955, and until 16 years of age attended the Sacred Heart school. She then moved to Qatar to be with her parents, and commenced employment. Tricia quickly progressed in her career and became PA to the general manager of Jaidah Motors. In 1978 she attended a disco at the Doha Rugby Club and met Jonathan. A whirlwind romance developed and they were married on 11th October 1979. Their first child, Samantha, was born on 16th October 1980, and the family stayed in Doha until 1983 when they returned to England, Jonathan's home country.