Love is in the air for the Mountbatten family, as Lord Ivar Mountbatten has joyfully announced the engagement of his eldest daughter, Ella Mountbatten, to her longtime partner Fergus.
The news was shared via a touching social media post that radiated pride, humour, and fatherly affection from the Lord, who was also the first openly gay member of the British royal family.
'I couldn’t be happier to announce the engagement of my eldest and most precious daughter Ella to her fabulous boyfriend Fergus,' Lord Ivar wrote to his followers, alongside a photo of the beaming couple.
Known for his warmth and wit, the royal relative didn’t shy away from a bit of light-hearted teasing, adding, 'Ferg is not one to be rushed so I am incredibly pleased that he has finally put us all out of our misery!'
His affection for his future son-in-law was clear, however, as he continued: 'I know he will look after my daughter to his dying day- they couldn’t be better suited.' High praise indeed!
Lord Ivor, second cousin of King Charles III and the first member of the extended royal family to have a same-sex wedding after tying the knot with James Coyle in 2018, has often spoken with tenderness about his family.
His message to Ella and Fergus ended with a sweet send-off: 'Enjoy this special time in your life. Much love to you both.'
While the couple has largely kept their relationship out of the public eye, the announcement has sparked warm wishes and congratulations from friends, family, and followers alike.
Showing good humour runs in the family, one of Lord Ivar's other daughters was quick to query his use of the term 'most precious daughter.'
The Lord has three daughters with his ex-wife, Penny Thompson: Ella, Louise, and Alix, and he continuously gushes over how supportive they all are of him and his husband, James. The family even all spent lockdown together!
Ella’s engagement ring is a showstopping piece, featuring a vivid emerald-cut green gemstone, encircled by a halo of sparkling white diamonds in a classic cluster setting.
The richly coloured centre stone, paired with what appears to be a platinum or white gold band, gives the ring a timeless, vintage feel that hints at the possibility of it being a treasured family heirloom.
Ella, who works as a brand partnership manager for The Peninsula London, and Fergus, who works as a marketing manager at Sky Sports Racing are yet to share any details about their wedding plans, but if her father’s words are anything to go by, it will no doubt be a celebration filled with lots of love and laughter.
Congratulations on the engagement Ella and Fergus!
