Celebs Who Are Related To Royalty

While many celebrities come from humble beginnings, a surprising number of Hollywood’s elite possess genealogical ties to ancient European monarchies. Through extensive research into family trees and historical records, several stars have been confirmed as descendants of kings, queens, and emperors. These connections range from direct lineage to distant cousins, linking modern film and television icons to the political history of the United Kingdom and France. From award-winning actors to world-renowned filmmakers, these individuals share bloodlines with some of the most powerful figures in history. Understanding these connections provides a fascinating look at the intersection of modern entertainment and historical nobility.

Kit Harington

Kit Harington is a descendant of King Charles II of England through his grandmother, Lavender Cecilia Denny. He is also related to Sir John Harington, the prominent courtier who invented the flush toilet for Queen Elizabeth I. The actor rose to global prominence for his portrayal of Jon Snow in the fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’. His wedding to co-star Rose Leslie was attended by several members of the British upper class.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch is the third cousin, 16 times removed, of King Richard III. This genealogical link was confirmed by experts from the University of Leicester after the monarch’s remains were discovered in 2012. The actor portrayed the king in the historical television series ‘The Hollow Crown’. He also participated in the official reinterment ceremony for Richard III at Leicester Cathedral in 2015.

Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff is recognized as the 18th cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her royal lineage is traced back to King Edward III through Alexander Spotswood, an officer in the British Army. She is widely known for her starring role in the popular Disney Channel series ‘Lizzie McGuire’. This connection officially ranks her as one of the most closely related American celebrities to the British Royal Family.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is a 24th cousin of Queen Elizabeth II through King John of England. His ancestry also connects him to various influential figures in American and British history. The actor has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films such as ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Saving Private Ryan’. His lineage was extensively researched and confirmed by genealogists during his career in Hollywood.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton is a direct descendant of Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots who secured Scottish independence. Her family, the Swintons, is one of the oldest landed families in the United Kingdom with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. She is an Academy Award winner known for her roles in films like ‘Michael Clayton’ and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. Her heritage is deeply intertwined with the military and political history of Scotland.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres is the 15th cousin of Catherine, Princess of Wales. They share a common ancestor in Sir Thomas Fairfax, who lived in the 16th century. The television host gained worldwide fame for her long-running program ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’. Her genealogical background also links her through ancestral lines to the family of King Edward I.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is a descendant of King Philip II of France through her mother, Marcheline Bertrand. This ancestral line connects her to the 12th-century monarch who was instrumental in the growth of the French kingdom. The actress has received numerous accolades for her work in movies like ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and ‘Maleficent’. Her French heritage remains a significant part of her family’s documented historical record.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt is related to King Henry II of England, who ruled during the 12th century. This connection makes him a very distant cousin to several members of the modern British Royal Family. He is a highly celebrated actor known for his roles in ‘Fight Club’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. Genealogists have confirmed his royal ties through his paternal ancestry over several generations.

Bill Hader

Bill Hader discovered his royal ancestry while appearing on the documentary series ‘Finding Your Roots’. He is a direct descendant of King Edward I of England as well as the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. The actor and comedian is best known for his time on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and the dark comedy series ‘Barry’. He expressed great surprise when he learned about his confirmed connection to European royalty.

Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes is an eighth cousin of King Charles III through King James II of Scotland. His family tree includes many notable figures in the British aristocracy and the arts. He is internationally recognized for playing Lord Voldemort in the ‘Harry Potter’ film franchise. His siblings are also established in the entertainment industry, continuing a long family tradition of creative pursuit.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant is a descendant of King Henry VII of England and King James IV of Scotland. His lineage includes several high-ranking British military officers and colonial governors. The actor became a staple of British cinema after his performance in ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’. His family history is well-documented within the peerage and genealogical records of the United Kingdom.

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields is a descendant of King Henry IV of France, the first monarch of the House of Bourbon. She also shares ancestry with the Medici family, a powerful Italian noble house. The actress and model gained fame at a young age through films like ‘The Blue Lagoon’. Her complex royal heritage has been a subject of interest for many celebrity genealogists and historians.

Rose Leslie

Rose Leslie was raised in Lickleyhead Castle, her family’s ancestral seat in Scotland. She is a descendant of King Charles II through her mother’s side of the family. The actress is best known for her portrayal of Ygritte in the television series ‘Game of Thrones’. Her father is the chieftain of Clan Leslie, further cementing her ties to traditional Scottish nobility and historical figures.

Dakota Fanning

Dakota Fanning is the 22nd great-granddaughter of King Edward III of England. Her connection to the Plantagenet king was discovered through research into her maternal lineage. She rose to prominence as a child actress in ‘I Am Sam’ and the ‘Twilight’ film saga. Her sister, Elle Fanning, shares this royal heritage and has played a monarch in the series ‘The Great’.

Guy Ritchie

Guy Ritchie is a sixth cousin of Catherine, Princess of Wales. They share common ancestors through the Lupton family, who were prominent merchants in Leeds. The filmmaker is known for his distinct style in movies like ‘Snatch’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes’. He was among the invited guests at the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.

Tell us which of these royal celebrity connections surprised you the most in the comments.