Images of the first ever gay Royal Family wedding have been released
Lord Ivar Mountbatten, the Queen's third cousin once removed, married his partner James Coyle in Devon on Saturday (22 September).
By Steve Brown
The first ever same-sex royal wedding has taken place, in a landmark moment for the British aristocracy.
Lord Ivar Mountbatten, the Queen’s third cousin once removed, wed his partner James Coyle, 56, in a luxurious ceremony in Devon on Saturday (22 September), the Daily Mail reports.
And now, on his Instagram account, Mountbatten has released some of the images from his happy day.
Writing on the social media site, he said: “Well we did it finally! It was an amazing day despite the miserable British weather.
“Fabulous service conducted by Trish Harrogate, chief Registrar for Devon, who set the perfect but lighthearted tone for what is a serious occasion.
“The accompanying gospel choir were amazing. Thank you so much to Bristol’s Teachers Rock Choir for your superb singing.
“Most importantly a massive thanks to my 3 gorgeous girls for being so understanding and supportive, without their support this could never have happened!
“And finally the biggest thank you to James for being just perfect……#wedidit #wonderfulday #despitetherain”
The couple, who announced their engagement in June after meeting in 2014, tied the knot at Bridwell Park, Devon, in front of 60 family members and friends, including Lord Mountbatten’s three daughters.
Lord Mountbatten, 55, was reportedly given away by his ex-wife Lady Penny Mountbatten, whom he divorced in 2011 after 17 years of marriage.
While no members of the core British Royal Family were present, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who are godparents to Lord Mountbatten’s eldest daughters, reportedly sent their congratulations.
“Their diaries are arranged months in advance and they were not free,” said Lord Mountbatten, “but they adore James.”
Lord Mountbatten, 55, came out publicly in 2016, two years after meeting his now-husband James at a ski resort in Verbier.
He had previously told Lady Mountbatten that he was bisexual prior to the pair’s wedding in 1994, which was attended by the Queen’s late sister, Princess Margaret.
“Being a Mountbatten was never the problem,” the great-great grandson of Queen Victoria previously said of his journey to accepting his sexuality. “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.”
The only member of the extended British royal family currently in a public same-sex relationship continued: “‘Coming out’ is such a funny phrase but it’s what I suppose I did in a rather roundabout way, emerging to a place I’m happy to be.
“I have struggled with my sexuality and in some ways I still do; it has been a real journey to reach this point.
“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.”
The only member of the extended British royal family currently in a public same-sex relationship continued: “‘Coming out’ is such a funny phrase but it’s what I suppose I did in a rather roundabout way, emerging to a place I’m happy to be.
“I have struggled with my sexuality and in some ways I still do; it has been a real journey to reach this point.”