Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a participant in the third season of the reality competition series The Traitors, holds a unique position within the British royal family. While not a direct descendant of the reigning monarch, he is a member of the extended family, linked through a lineage tracing back to Queen Victoria. Born in 1963, he is the son of David Mountbatten, 3rd Marquess of Milford Haven, and Janet Mercedes Bryce. His paternal grandfather was Prince George of Battenberg, connecting him to Queen Victoria and subsequently to the current royal line. Significantly, his father was a cousin of Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II. This familial connection establishes Ivar as a first cousin once removed of Prince Philip, a third cousin once removed of Queen Elizabeth II, and a second cousin of King Charles III. Notably, Lord Ivar Mountbatten is also recognized as the first openly gay member of the royal family, marking a significant moment in the family’s history.
Lord Ivar Mountbatten has openly shared his fond memories of Prince Philip, who served as a paternal figure following the death of his own father in 1970. He recalls engaging in conversations with Prince Philip about his father, cherishing these moments as an opportunity to learn more about the man who played a vital role in shaping his identity within the Mountbatten lineage. He remembers Prince Philip as a keen listener, always receptive to honest and forthright discussions, and as someone who offered valuable advice when deemed necessary. This close relationship underscores the personal connections that exist within the royal family, extending beyond mere titles and formalities.
Despite his royal lineage, Lord Ivar Mountbatten does not carry out official royal duties. His career path has traversed various fields, including geology, business, and strategic communications. He served as a director at SCL Group, a strategic communication company, showcasing his diverse professional experience. While acknowledging his reduced involvement in royal events compared to his childhood, he attributes this shift to the natural expansion of the royal family over the years. As the family has grown, the focus on individual members’ participation in official events has necessarily become more selective.
Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s connection to the royal family remains evident in his close relationship with certain members, particularly Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Wessex. He is the godfather to their daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, demonstrating the enduring personal bonds within the family. Reciprocally, Prince Edward and Sophie are godparents to two of Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s daughters, Ella and Alix, from his previous marriage to Penny Mountbatten. These interwoven familial connections highlight the importance of kinship and personal relationships within the royal sphere.
In 2016, Lord Ivar Mountbatten made history by publicly acknowledging his relationship with James Coyle, becoming the first member of the royal family to openly be in a same-sex relationship. Their subsequent marriage in 2018 further cemented this milestone, marking the first same-sex wedding within the British royal family. Lord Ivar Mountbatten has shared that his family has been incredibly supportive of his relationship with Coyle, demonstrating a significant shift in acceptance and inclusivity within the traditionally conservative institution.
Lord Ivar Mountbatten’s participation in The Traitors provides a unique glimpse into his personality and life beyond the royal sphere. While his connection to the royal family undoubtedly adds an element of intrigue to his presence on the show, he is also an individual with his own experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. His appearance on a reality TV competition signifies a departure from the traditional image of royal reserve and privacy, allowing audiences to connect with him on a more personal level. It will be fascinating to observe how he navigates the challenges of the competition and how his experiences within the royal family, coupled with his own personal journey, shape his interactions with the other contestants. His willingness to embrace this new platform speaks to his individuality and his desire to connect with a wider audience, further solidifying his unique position within the complex tapestry of the British royal family.
