Get our daily royal round-up direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The royal family is getting ready for its first same-sex wedding as Lord Ivar Mountbatten prepares to tie the knot.

The Queen's cousin, who has three children, came out two years ago and he's now set to marry his partner James Coyle.

It's the second time Lord Ivar will say his vows, and in an incredible sign of support his first wife Penny will give him away on the day.

The couple are planning a very small ceremony with just very close family and friends present.

But afterwards there will be a big party with about 120 guests to celebrate their marriage.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Lord Ivar and Penny divorced eight years ago but they are still extremely close.

When he revealed he was gay Lord Ivar admitted he struggled with his sexuality throughout their 16 year marriage.

Lord Ivar knew he was gay from a young age, and told Penny he was bisexual before he proposed, reports the Daily Mail .

He's spoken about how supportive his friends and family have been, and how welcoming they've been to James.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking to the Daily Mail , he said: "I had a really happy childhood but I could never tell my parents I was gay. Where I grew up, gay men were called poofs, queers, everything derogatory under the sun.

"In 15, 20 years' time people will struggle to understand how we came to be having such conversations. People will look back and say, 'What's the big deal?' But for our generation it was."

Penny added: "What I don't think Ivar realises is how much he has changed as a man since he 'came out'. James is hugely responsible for that because he's so much fun."

(Image: Tim Graham Photo Library)

Lord Ivar and James, who met on a skiing holiday, will marry in a private chapel on their county estate in Devon.

It's set to be a modern celebration without lots of the traditional elements including a first dance or cutting the cake.