Celebs Who Are Secretly Related To Royalty

Many Hollywood stars lead lives of luxury and fame that seem a world away from the ancient monarchies of Europe. However genealogy experts have discovered that dozens of famous faces actually share bloodlines with legendary kings and queens. These connections often span centuries and link modern actors to historical figures like King Edward III and Charlemagne. Exploring these royal roots offers a fascinating look at how history influences the present day entertainment industry.

Kit Harington

The actor became a household name for his portrayal of Jon Snow in the fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’. Research into his family history reveals that he is a direct descendant of King Charles II of England. This connection comes through his grandmother Lavender Cecilia Denny who married Richard Harington. His lineage also links him to John Harington who was a prominent courtier during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He has often spoken about the irony of playing a royal character while possessing real blue blood.

Tilda Swinton

This Academy Award winner is known for her roles in films like ‘Michael Clayton’ and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. She belongs to the Swinton family which is one of the oldest landowning families in Britain. Her ancestry can be traced back to King Robert the Bruce of Scotland who ruled in the fourteenth century. The Swinton line has maintained a high social status for centuries through various military and political contributions. This heritage reflects the actress’s deep roots in Scottish history and nobility.

Benedict Cumberbatch

The ‘Sherlock’ star has a genealogical connection to King Richard III of England. Researchers discovered that he is a third cousin sixteen times removed from the monarch who died in 1485. He notably portrayed his distant ancestor in the television series ‘The Hollow Crown’. The actor even attended the reburial ceremony for the king after his remains were discovered in a parking lot. This unique link makes him one of the most clearly documented royal descendants in Hollywood.

Rose Leslie

The actress rose to prominence after appearing in the hit series ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Game of Thrones’. She grew up in Lickleyhead Castle which has been her family’s ancestral seat for centuries. Her father is the chieftain of the Clan Leslie and her mother is a descendant of King James II of England. This royal connection places her in a long line of Scottish and English nobility. She has often noted that her upbringing in a historic castle felt quite ordinary until she entered the public eye.

Danny Dyer

While known for his tough guy persona in ‘EastEnders’ this actor discovered a surprising royal past. During an episode of a genealogy program he learned that he is a direct descendant of King Edward III. His lineage includes Thomas Cromwell and the Percy family who were powerful figures in English history. The discovery revealed that his ancestors were high ranking members of the court despite his modern working class image. This revelation led to him filming a documentary exploring his royal heritage in depth.

Hugh Grant

The actor known for his roles in ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and ‘Notting Hill’ has a pedigree that includes British royalty. He is a descendant of King Henry VII who was the first monarch of the House of Tudor. His family tree also includes several other kings and notable figures from the Scottish nobility. This background of high society and royal blood matches his often charming and upper class screen persona. He continues to be a prominent figure in the British film industry.

Ralph Fiennes

The star of the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise and ‘The English Patient’ has a lineage that connects him to the British royal family. He is an eighth cousin of King Charles III through his descent from King James II of Scotland. His family history is filled with aristocratic figures and high ranking officials throughout the centuries. The actor comes from a distinguished background that includes several other notable artists and filmmakers. His royal connections demonstrate the deep historical ties within the British upper class.

Brooke Shields

The actress and model gained fame as a teenager in films like ‘The Blue Lagoon’ and later starred in ‘Suddenly Susan’. She is a distant cousin of King Henry IV of France through her father’s side of the family. Her grandmother was a member of the Italian nobility which provided a direct link to several European royal houses. This heritage makes her one of the most well connected American celebrities in terms of royal genealogy. She has often expressed pride in her diverse and noble family history.

Jake Gyllenhaal

The actor known for ‘Donnie Darko’ and ‘Nightcrawler’ comes from a family with deep roots in the film industry. Genealogists have also discovered that he is a descendant of King Edward III of England. This royal connection is shared with many other American celebrities who can trace their ancestry back to the British monarchy. His lineage includes various European nobles who played significant roles in the development of Western history. The actor maintains a strong connection to his Swedish and English heritage.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

As the older sister of Jake Gyllenhaal this ‘The Dark Knight’ actress shares the same royal bloodline. She is also a descendant of King Edward III which links her to a long line of English monarchs. Her family tree includes figures from the Swedish nobility as well as American intellectual circles. This combination of royal and cultural heritage has shaped her identity as a versatile performer in Hollywood. Her ancestry highlights the global nature of royal descendants in the modern era.

Angelina Jolie

The Oscar winning actress is famous for her roles in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and ‘Maleficent’. She can trace her ancestry back to the French monarchy through her mother Marcheline Bertrand. Research shows that she is a descendant of King Philip II of France who reigned in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. This royal link connects her to the House of Capet which was one of the most powerful dynasties in Europe. Her diverse background reflects a history that spans across continents and royal courts.

Brad Pitt

The ‘Fight Club’ star has a family history that is surprisingly connected to the British crown. He is a descendant of King Henry II of England who ruled during the twelfth century. This connection makes him a distant cousin of the current members of the British royal family. His lineage illustrates how many Americans with European ancestry have hidden ties to ancient royalty. The actor continues to be one of the most recognizable figures in global cinema today.

Johnny Depp

The actor known for his portrayal of Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ has a complex family tree. He is reportedly a twentieth cousin of Queen Elizabeth II through his common ancestor King Edward III. This connection was uncovered by researchers who specialize in tracing the origins of American celebrities. His lineage suggests that his ancestors were part of the migration from Europe to the American colonies centuries ago. The star has become a cultural icon while maintaining a mysterious and eclectic public image.

Hilary Duff

The former ‘Lizzie McGuire’ star is often cited as the most royal celebrity in America. She is an eighteenth cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and a direct descendant of King Edward III. This lineage makes her the most closely related American star to the British throne. Her family tree includes several other notable figures from the history of the United Kingdom. She has embraced this fun fact about her heritage while continuing her career in music and acting.

Beyoncé

The legendary singer and star of ‘Dreamgirls’ has a surprising connection to the British monarchy. She is an eighteenth cousin of Queen Elizabeth II through her ancestor King Henry II. This royal link adds another layer to the public image of a woman often referred to as Queen Bey. Her family history is rooted in a rich cultural tapestry that includes French and African American heritage. This connection shows how widespread royal bloodlines have become over the centuries.

Tom Hanks

The beloved ‘Forrest Gump’ actor is famous for his portrayal of ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. However his personal history is far from ordinary as he is a descendant of King John of England. This royal ancestor signed the Magna Carta and is a pivotal figure in British legal history. The actor is also related to several American presidents including Abraham Lincoln. His diverse and prestigious family tree reflects a deep connection to both royal and democratic history.

Ellen DeGeneres

The host of ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ discovered that she has a very famous relative in the British royal family. She is a fifteenth cousin of Kate Middleton the Princess of Wales through their shared ancestor Sir Thomas Fairfax. This connection makes her a distant relative of the future King of England. She has often joked about this relationship on her talk show and invited her royal cousin to visit. Her ancestry highlights the unexpected ways that celebrities and royals are linked.

Robert Pattinson

The actor who starred in the ‘Twilight’ saga has a dark and royal history. He is related to Vlad the Impaler who was the historical inspiration for the character of Dracula. Genealogists have also linked him to the British royal family through his shared ancestry with Prince William and Prince Harry. This connection makes him a distant cousin of the current generation of royals. The actor has carved out a unique career in both independent and blockbuster cinema.

Uma Thurman

The ‘Kill Bill’ actress is known for her striking looks and intense performances. She is a descendant of King Edward I of England who was a powerful medieval monarch. Her mother was a high fashion model and a member of the German and Swedish nobility. This lineage provides her with a direct connection to several prominent European families. Her background is as eclectic and impressive as the characters she portrays on screen.

Céline Dion

The iconic singer is a descendant of the French royal house and has links to King Philip II. Her family history is deeply rooted in the province of Quebec where her ancestors were early settlers. She shares a common ancestor with other French Canadian stars who are also related to European royalty. This connection emphasizes the long history of the French people in North America and their noble origins. The singer’s powerful voice has made her a global superstar with a legacy of her own.

Guy Ritchie

The director of ‘Snatch’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes’ has a surprisingly aristocratic background. He is a sixth cousin of Catherine the Princess of Wales through a shared ancestor from the eighteenth century. His lineage also connects him to King Edward I of England which gives him a solid place in the royal family tree. Despite his gritty filmmaking style he comes from a family with high social standing. This royal link was widely discussed during the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Richard Gere

The star of ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘Chicago’ can trace his ancestry back to the British monarchy. He is a descendant of King Edward I of England through several generations of his family. This connection links him to many other prominent figures in both English and American history. The actor has spent decades as a leading man in Hollywood while also focusing on his humanitarian work. His royal heritage is a quiet but significant part of his personal story.

Kyra Sedgwick

The actress known for her role in ‘The Closer’ comes from a very prominent American family. She is a descendant of King Henry III of England and has ties to many influential figures in United States history. Her father was a venture capitalist and her mother was a speech teacher and educational therapist. This lineage shows the intersection of British royalty and American social elites. She has maintained a successful career in television and film for over thirty years.

Sigourney Weaver

The star of the ‘Alien’ franchise is known for her commanding screen presence. She is a descendant of King Henry I of England through her father’s side of the family. Her father was a prominent television executive and her mother was a successful actress. This background of professional success and royal blood has shaped her life in the public eye. She continues to be a respected figure in the entertainment industry today.

Dakota Fanning

The actress who began her career as a child star in ‘I Am Sam’ has a noble heritage. She is a twenty second great granddaughter of King Edward III of England. This connection was confirmed through extensive genealogical research into her family’s history. Her sister Elle Fanning also shares this royal lineage which links them to the British throne. The young actress has built a diverse filmography while representing a modern link to the past.

Elle Fanning

Like her sister Dakota this ‘The Great’ actress is a descendant of King Edward III. Her ancestry makes her a distant cousin of the Duchess of Cambridge and other members of the royal family. She has often played regal characters on screen including a portrayal of Empress Catherine the Great. This connection to royalty seems particularly fitting given her graceful and sophisticated persona. Her family tree serves as a bridge between Hollywood and the historic courts of Europe.

Bill Hader

The comedian and creator of ‘Barry’ discovered his royal roots on a genealogy television show. He learned that he is a direct descendant of King Edward III of England and the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. This discovery was a complete surprise to the actor who had no previous knowledge of his noble ancestry. His lineage includes some of the most powerful rulers in Western history. The revelation added a new dimension to his understanding of his family’s past.

Laura Dern

The ‘Jurassic Park’ actress comes from a family of Hollywood royalty as the daughter of Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. However she also possesses actual royal blood as a descendant of King Edward III. This connection links her to a long line of monarchs and aristocrats from across the Atlantic. Her successful career has earned her numerous accolades including an Academy Award. Her royal heritage is just one aspect of a life spent in the creative spotlight.

Glenn Close

The acclaimed actress known for ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ has a lineage that includes English royalty. She is a descendant of King Edward I who ruled England in the late thirteenth century. Her family has a long history of involvement in American life with roots going back to the colonial era. This background reflects a blend of European nobility and American tradition. The actress remains one of the most respected performers of her generation.

Michael Douglas

The ‘Wall Street’ star is a member of a famous acting dynasty but his roots go back even further. He is a descendant of King Edward III through his family’s European connections. This royal lineage is shared with many other icons of the silver screen. His career has spanned decades and includes numerous iconic roles in both film and television. The actor’s heritage adds a layer of historical prestige to his already impressive family legacy.

Paris Hilton

The media personality and entrepreneur is a descendant of King Henry II of England. This connection makes her a distant cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. While she is famous for her family’s hotel empire her ancestry reveals a much older source of wealth and power. She has often embraced her glamorous image which aligns with her royal background. Her life has been a subject of public fascination for over two decades.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Before she married Prince Harry, the ‘Suits’ actress already had a connection to the British crown. Genealogists discovered that she is a descendant of King Edward III through her father’s family. This means that she and her husband are actually very distant cousins through their common royal ancestor. Her journey from a Hollywood actress to a working royal and then back to private life has been widely documented. Her ancestry highlights the unexpected ways that people can be connected to the monarchy.

Courteney Cox

The ‘Friends’ actress discovered her royal lineage while appearing on a popular genealogy program. She is a descendant of King Edward I of England which links her to the heart of British history. Her ancestors were involved in several significant events during the medieval period. This discovery provided her with a new perspective on her family’s origin story. She remains one of the most beloved figures in television history thanks to her iconic roles.

Reese Witherspoon

The ‘Walk the Line’ star is known for her Southern charm and successful production company. She is reportedly a descendant of King John of England and has ties to the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. Her ancestry also includes John Knox who was a famous leader of the Scottish Reformation. This mix of royal and religious history makes her family tree particularly unique. She continues to be a powerhouse in the entertainment industry while honoring her heritage.

Elizabeth Olsen

The star of ‘WandaVision’ shares a royal bloodline with her famous older sisters Mary Kate and Ashley. They are descendants of King Edward III of England which connects them to the British monarchy. This lineage is a common thread among many American celebrities with roots in the United Kingdom. The actress has established herself as a major talent in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her royal background is a fascinating detail in her successful career path.

Maggie Smith

The legendary actress known for her roles in ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Downton Abbey’ has a noble connection. She is a descendant of King Edward III and has ties to various branches of the British aristocracy. Her career has seen her play countless regal and high society characters with great success. She is widely regarded as one of the finest actresses of her time. Her real life royal roots only add to her status as a cultural treasure.

Allison Janney

The ‘The West Wing’ actress and Oscar winner is a descendant of King Edward I of England. Her family tree includes several generations of ancestors who were part of the English gentry. This royal connection links her to a history of leadership and social influence. She has earned critical acclaim for her versatile performances on both stage and screen. Her heritage reflects a long standing connection between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Ty Burrell

The ‘Modern Family’ star discovered that his ancestry is far more diverse and noble than he realized. He is a descendant of King Edward I of England which places him in the company of many other royal celebrities. This connection was uncovered through a genealogical study that traced his family back several centuries. The actor has become a fan favorite for his comedic roles in television. His royal roots are an interesting contrast to the everyday characters he often plays.

Bill Nighy

The British actor known for ‘Love Actually’ has a lineage that connects him to King Edward III. This royal descent is shared with many members of the British creative community. His family history is filled with individuals who have contributed to the cultural and social life of the country. He has enjoyed a long and successful career in film and theater. His connection to royalty is a testament to the deep historical roots of many British performers.

Hugh Bonneville

The star of ‘Downton Abbey’ is a descendant of King Edward III through his family’s long history in the United Kingdom. This royal link is particularly appropriate given his most famous role as the Earl of Grantham. His ancestry connects him to various noble families that have played a role in British governance. The actor is a well known figure in international cinema and television. His personal history mirrors the aristocratic world he often portrays on screen.

Helena Bonham Carter

The actress known for her roles in ‘The Crown’ and ‘Sweeney Todd’ comes from a very distinguished family. She is a descendant of King Edward III and her great grandfather was the Prime Minister H.H. Asquith. This background of political power and royal blood has influenced her career and personal life. She has portrayed several members of the royal family on screen including Princess Margaret. Her lineage makes her a true member of the British cultural and social elite.

Damian Lewis

The star of ‘Homeland’ and ‘Billions’ has a family history that is deeply intertwined with the British peerage. He is a descendant of several royal figures through his ancestors in the Welsh and English nobility. His background includes a long line of successful professionals and social leaders. The actor has gained international fame for his intense and nuanced performances. His royal connections are a well documented part of his prestigious family tree.

Edward Norton

The ‘Fight Club’ actor recently discovered that he is a descendant of the historical figure Pocahontas. His family tree also includes links to the British monarchy and other prominent historical figures. This royal connection is part of a complex genealogy that spans multiple continents and centuries. The actor is known for his commitment to his craft and his selective choice of roles. His heritage highlights the diverse and interconnected nature of American ancestry.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The Oscar winning actress and founder of Goop is a descendant of King Edward III. Her family has been prominent in the American entertainment industry for two generations. This royal link connects her to the ancient monarchies of Europe through her father’s side of the family. She has maintained a high profile career in both film and business. Her ancestry is a reflection of her status as a member of both Hollywood and global social circles.

Sarah Jessica Parker

The ‘Sex and the City’ star discovered her royal roots through a genealogical research project. She is a descendant of King Edward III which links her to a wide network of royal relatives. Her family history also includes ancestors who were involved in the Salem witch trials. This combination of royal blood and American historical significance makes her family tree very interesting. She remains an influential figure in fashion and television today.

Cindy Crawford

The legendary supermodel discovered that she is a descendant of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. This royal connection was revealed during her participation in a genealogy television series. Her family has deep roots in the American Midwest but can be traced back to European royalty. This discovery surprised the model who had always seen her family as typical Americans. Her noble heritage adds a historical dimension to her status as a global icon.

George Clooney

The ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ star is a distant cousin of the late President Abraham Lincoln. He is also a descendant of King Edward I of England which gives him a royal connection. This lineage links him to many other figures of historical and political importance. The actor is known for his work in front of and behind the camera as well as his humanitarian efforts. His family tree is a mix of American political history and ancient European royalty.

Tom Cruise

The ‘Top Gun’ star can trace his family history back to the British monarchy and King Edward III. This royal descent is part of his ancestral link to the United Kingdom through his Irish and English roots. The actor has been one of the biggest movie stars in the world for several decades. His lineage is a quiet part of a very public life spent in the spotlight. He continues to push the boundaries of action cinema with his blockbuster films.

Alec Baldwin

The actor known for ’30 Rock’ and ‘Beetlejuice’ has a very old royal connection. He is a descendant of King Ethelred the Unready who ruled England over a thousand years ago. This ancient lineage is shared by his brothers who are also successful actors in Hollywood. His family history reflects a long journey from the early days of the English monarchy to modern American fame. The actor has remained a significant figure in entertainment for many years.

Cary Elwes

The star of ‘The Princess Bride’ comes from a family with several notable ancestors. He is a descendant of King Edward III and belongs to a family of prominent British artists and designers. His heritage is filled with individuals who have made significant contributions to the cultural life of England. The actor has enjoyed a successful career in a wide range of film genres. His royal roots are a fitting background for a man who famously played a heroic suitor on screen.

Let us know which of these royal connections surprised you the most in the comments.