Duchess of Edinburgh shows lasting bond with Lady Louise's godmother

The event celebrated Dr Jane Goodall's legacy in support of the Jane Goodall Institute UK.

The Duchess of Edinburgh posed for a photograph alongside Lady Penny and television director Rosemary Reed.

Lord Ivar and Lady Penny are godparents to Prince Edward and Sophie's daughter, Lady Louise, 22, who is currently a student at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

In turn, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are godparents to Lord Ivar and Lady Penny's daughter, Ella.

Lord Ivar is also related to King Charles as the great-nephew of Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Philip's maternal uncle.

The 63-year-old became the first extended member of the Royal Family to have a gay wedding in 2018, when he married James Coyle.

He has opened up about his close relationship with the Edinburghs in the past, telling Hello!: "Edward and Sophie are clearly good friends, and quite often when Sophie comes down to Devon, she will stay here with us.

"She always used to stay at Bridwell, but she's also stayed in the farmhouse. Then, in the winter, we go up and stay with them for weekends.

"Lady Louise and I text a lot, but that's about it. Young people are always very busy!"

Despite divorcing Lady Penny in 2011, Lord Ivar continues to share a happy relationship with his family.

Lord Ivar continued: "Divorce is never much fun at the best of times, but we have always been good friends. We didn't have any real differences.

"Penny knew I was gay; I told her before we got married, and I think she felt she could change me. Ultimately, she couldn't, and I think she wanted something more than perhaps I could give her.

"As divorces go, it was relatively amicable. She has bought a farmhouse close by, and she gets on very well with James. Whenever I can't find him, he's likely to be having a cup of tea with Penny – probably b****ing about me."

The former couple tied the knot on April 23, 1994, at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Clare, Suffolk, which was attended by Sophie, Prince Edward and Princess Margaret.

They separated in 2010 and divorced the following year, with Lord Ivar telling the Mail: "It is quite true that we see each other all the time and we really are the best of friends. I certainly haven’t got anyone else in my life and I don’t think Penny has either."

He added: "Penny and I are always in touch because of the children. Because she only lives a couple of miles away the children can be with her part of the week and with me for the other part."

Lord Ivar came out as gay in 2016, telling the same publication: "I am a lot happier now, though I am still not 100 per cent comfortable with being gay.

"‘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."

At the time his wedding to Mr Coyle was announced in 2018, Lord Ivar said: "Sophie and Edward know of our plans and are really excited for us.

"Sadly they can't come to the wedding. Their diaries are arranged months in advance and they're not around, but they adore James. Everyone adores him."