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The Royal Traitor: 7 Shocking Facts About Lord Ivar Mountbatten, The First Openly Gay Royal To Star In Reality TV

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Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a prominent figure in the extended British Royal Family, has once again captured global attention, not for a traditional royal engagement, but for a surprising venture into reality television. As of today, December 18, 2025, the aristocrat and second cousin to King Charles III is making headlines for joining the star-studded cast of *The Traitors US* Season 3, marking an unprecedented move for a member of the royal family. This latest chapter adds to his already historic legacy as the first openly gay royal to enter a same-sex marriage, a move that redefined modern royal visibility and acceptance. This article delves into the life, history, and current endeavors of the man who is quietly, yet profoundly, changing the perception of royalty.

The decision to appear on a high-stakes, dramatic reality show like *The Traitors* highlights Lord Mountbatten’s willingness to step outside the conventional boundaries of aristocratic life. Living primarily at the stunning Bridwell Park Estate in Devon, he balances his duties as a Deputy Lieutenant with his life as a farmer, businessman, and now, a reality TV personality. His unique story—from a discreet member of the Mountbatten dynasty to a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ royal history—is a fascinating study in tradition meeting modernity.

Lord Ivar Mountbatten: Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Lord Ivar Alexander Michael Mountbatten, DL
  • Born: 9 March 1963 (Age 62 as of 2025)
  • Place of Birth: London, England
  • Titles: Lord (by courtesy), Deputy Lieutenant for Devon (DL)
  • Father: David Mountbatten, 3rd Marquess of Milford Haven
  • Mother: Janet Mountbatten, Marchioness of Milford Haven (née Janet Mercedes Bryce)
  • Royal Connection: Second cousin to King Charles III and great-nephew of Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma.
  • Education: Studied Geology at the University of Edinburgh.
  • First Marriage: Penelope Anne Vere Thompson (m. 1994; div. 2011)
  • Children: Three daughters: Ella Mountbatten, Alexandra Mountbatten, and Louise Mountbatten.
  • Current Spouse: James Coyle (m. 2018)
  • Residence: Bridwell Park Estate, Devon, England
  • Career: Aristocrat, farmer, geologist, businessman (including director roles at SCL Group), and reality television personality.
  • Historical Significance: The first member of the extended British Royal Family to publicly come out as gay and to have a same-sex marriage.

The Historic Royal Precedent: Coming Out and Same-Sex Marriage

Lord Ivar Mountbatten's journey to self-acceptance and public visibility is arguably the most significant aspect of his modern legacy. In 2016, he made history by publicly coming out as gay, a revelation that was met with widespread support and became a landmark moment for the British Royal Family's engagement with LGBTQ+ issues.

He met his current husband, James Coyle, a former airline cabin services director, in 2015 at a ski resort. Their relationship quickly developed, culminating in a historic wedding in 2018 at the private chapel on the Bridwell Park Estate. This event was not just a personal milestone, but a global historical one: it was the first same-sex marriage in the extended British Royal Family.

What made the wedding particularly poignant and progressive was the involvement of his ex-wife, Penelope Anne Vere Thompson, known as Penny. Despite their divorce in 2011, the family remained close. In a beautiful display of modern family dynamics, Penny Mountbatten walked Ivar down the aisle to marry James Coyle. This act of love and support from his former spouse and the mother of his three daughters—Ella, Alexandra, and Louise—underscored the unique and modern nature of his family life, demonstrating that love and family can transcend traditional structures.

The Mountbatten family’s acceptance of his same-sex marriage sent a powerful message of inclusivity from a family historically bound by rigid tradition. His openness has undoubtedly paved the way for greater acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals within aristocratic and royal circles globally.

Bridwell Park Estate: The Heart of the Mountbatten's Modern Life

The Mountbatten family’s primary residence, Bridwell Park Estate in Devon, serves as both a private home and a thriving business. The estate is a magnificent country house that has been in the family for generations and is a key entity in the Ivar Mountbatten story. Lord Mountbatten and James Coyle live there, managing the estate and its various ventures.

Bridwell Park is not merely a stately home; it functions as a highly sought-after wedding and events venue, reflecting Lord Mountbatten’s entrepreneurial spirit. The estate's operations, which include farming and hospitality, are a significant part of his day-to-day life, far removed from the typical image of a non-working royal. His role as a Deputy Lieutenant for Devon further roots him in the local community, blending his aristocratic heritage with practical, modern responsibilities.

The estate was the setting for his historic 2018 wedding, and it remains the central hub for his blended family. The three Mountbatten daughters—Ella, Alexandra, and Louise—frequently return to Bridwell, highlighting the seamless integration of his ex-wife and current husband into a cohesive, loving family unit. This unique arrangement is a testament to the strong and enduring bonds between all members of the family.

From Aristocrat to 'Traitor': The Reality TV Shockwave

The most recent and perhaps most unexpected development in Lord Ivar Mountbatten's career is his foray into reality television. The announcement that he would be joining the cast of *The Traitors US* Season 3 caused a significant stir in both royal and entertainment circles. While other minor royals have dipped their toes into reality TV, a cousin of the King participating in a high-stakes, psychological game show is a groundbreaking choice.

His participation brings a unique dynamic to the show. As a British aristocrat with a background in geology and business, his strategic mind and measured demeanor could make him a formidable player, whether as a "Faithful" or a "Traitor." This move exposes him to a massive new audience, further solidifying his status as a royal figure who is unafraid to challenge tradition and embrace contemporary culture.

Beyond reality TV, Lord Mountbatten remains actively involved in charitable work. He is a key figure in the Regain Sports Charity, dedicated to helping tetraplegic and quadriplegic people enjoy sport. His commitment to this cause is evident in his involvement with the charity's 2025 Gala Dinner, demonstrating his continued dedication to philanthropy alongside his new ventures. Whether he is navigating the social deception of *The Traitors* or upholding his family's philanthropic tradition, Lord Ivar Mountbatten continues to be a fascinating and trailblazing figure in the modern aristocratic landscape.

ivar mountbatten
ivar mountbatten

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