Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a name that resonates with history, royalty, and trailblazing courage, has been making headlines not just for his royal ties but for his authentic and groundbreaking personal journey. As a second cousin to King Charles and a first cousin to Prince Philip, Lord Ivar’s connection to the British Royal Family is fascinating. However, his decision to live openly and unapologetically as a gay man, becoming the first member of the extended royal family to do so, has captured hearts worldwide.
From his marriage to James Coyle to his journey as a father of three daughters, let’s dive into the remarkable life of Lord Ivar Mountbatten.
Who Is Lord Ivar Mountbatten?
Born on March 9, 1963, Lord Ivar Alexander Michael Mountbatten is the son of David Mountbatten, the Third Marquess of Milford Haven, and Janet Mercedes Bryce. This makes him a second cousin to King Charles and a first cousin to Prince Philip. Beyond his royal connections, Lord Ivar is a descendant of Queen Victoria, making his story all the more compelling.
At 61 years old, Lord Ivar recently gained a fresh wave of fame by joining the cast of The Traitors Season 3 on Peacock. His charm, wit, and authenticity quickly made him a fan favorite. However, long before his reality TV debut, Lord Ivar was known for breaking royal tradition in a way that inspired countless people around the world.
Who Is Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s Husband?
Lord Ivar is married to James Coyle, a former airline cabin services director. Their love story is nothing short of a rom-com classic. The two met by chance at a bar in the Swiss resort of Verbier in 2015, where James, mistaking Lord Ivar for someone else, struck up a conversation. That serendipitous encounter blossomed into a romance that would soon make history.
In 2016, Lord Ivar publicly announced his relationship with James, marking a significant and deeply personal milestone. Reflecting on his journey, he said:
“Being a Mountbatten was never the problem. It was the generation into which I was born. When I was growing up, it was known as ‘the love that dare not speak its name.’ But what’s amazing now is how far we have all come in terms of acceptance.”
Their wedding in 2018 was a joyful and historic event, celebrated not only by their family but by the world, as Lord Ivar became the first member of the extended British Royal Family to marry someone of the same sex. His ex-wife, Penelope “Penny” Anne Vere Thompson, who he was married to from 1994 to 2011, attended the wedding, showing her full support for the couple.
How Many Children Does Lord Ivar Mountbatten Have?
Lord Ivar has three daughters from his marriage to Penny: Ella, Luli, and Alix. The Mountbatten family’s acceptance of Lord Ivar’s truth is a heartwarming tale of love and understanding. In a 2022 interview, Alix shared her candid reaction to discovering her father’s sexuality:
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was a bit of a shock at first. I was used to my father being with a woman and married to my mother. I never envisaged this outcome. However, as long as he’s happy, I don’t mind who he loves. That’s all you want for your parents, isn’t it? Their happiness.”
Lord Ivar’s openness with his daughters and their unconditional support highlight the power of family bonds and acceptance. His ex-wife, Penny, has also been incredibly supportive, even praising his wedding to James as “the most fantastic day.”
What Is Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s net worth is estimated to be around £762,000, which is just under $1 million, according to Company Check. However, this estimate might not fully capture his wealth, especially considering the recent sale of the Bridwell Estate for £5.5 million (approximately $6.82 million).
Lord Ivar had moved into Bridwell Estate in 1997 and transformed it into a welcoming public space with ventures like the Orangery Café. Until September 2024, he and James lived on the estate before announcing its sale on Instagram. While it’s unclear if the proceeds from the sale went toward a new home or were invested elsewhere, it certainly adds a substantial sum to his financial portfolio.
Why Is Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s Story So Important?
In a world where tradition often clashes with modern values, Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s story is a breath of fresh air. By living authentically and publicly sharing his truth, he has challenged centuries-old norms within the British aristocracy. His openness about his struggles with sexuality, coupled with his family’s unwavering support, sends a powerful message about love, acceptance, and the courage to live one’s truth.
Lord Ivar’s journey, from a traditional royal upbringing to breaking barriers by marrying James, is nothing short of inspirational. His story continues to resonate with people worldwide, proving that love truly knows no bounds.
A Legacy of Courage and Love
Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s legacy is more than just his royal connections—it’s about courage, love, and authenticity. As a father, a husband, and a trailblazer, his impact extends far beyond the royal family tree. His story reminds us that the most powerful traditions are those built on acceptance and love. 
As he embraces the next chapter of his life, fans around the world will no doubt be cheering him on.
