Celebs Who Are Secretly Royal

It’s surprisingly common for Hollywood stars to discover they’re related to European royalty. Many actors can trace their family trees back to kings like Edward III or Henry II, thanks to the work of genealogists. Some stars already know about their noble ancestry, while others find out through ancestry-focused TV shows. This connection between celebrities and royal families highlights how people around the world are linked through history.

Kit Harington

The actor known for ‘Game of Thrones’ has royal ancestry. His paternal grandmother was a descendant of King Charles II, who reigned in the 1600s. He’s also related to Sir James John Harington, an English baronet. This noble family history gives him a unique connection to the world of royalty, which is fitting considering his characters often battle for the throne on television.

Rose Leslie

The actress was raised in Lickleyhead Castle in Scotland, a family home that has been passed down for generations. She’s a direct descendant of King Charles II on her mother’s side and has strong connections to the Clan Leslie. Her father leads the family’s Aberdeenshire branch. This background in a historic castle seems to naturally suit her when she plays aristocratic characters in period dramas.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch, star of ‘Sherlock,’ is very distantly related to King Richard III – they’re sixteenth cousins, once removed. Remarkably, he even recited a poem at the reburial service for the king after his remains were found during an archeological dig. Experts in family history have verified this connection, adding an interesting historical dimension to Cumberbatch’s career as a well-known British actor.

Tilda Swinton

The Academy Award-winning actress comes from a long and noble Scottish family history. Her ancestors were among the original landowners in Great Britain, dating back before the Norman Conquest – a distinction only three families share. Her family tree includes knights and important political figures who served the Scottish monarchy. This rich heritage often influences the delicate, otherworldly characters she plays on screen.

Ralph Fiennes

The actor famous for playing a role in the ‘Harry Potter’ films is distantly related to King Charles III. They share a common ancestor through the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, meaning his family has a long history of nobility and important figures in British history. This kind of prestigious background is fairly common among many well-known English actors of his generation.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant, the actor known for films like ‘Notting Hill,’ is related to King Henry VII through his family history. His ancestors include important figures like the Earls of Nottingham and the Marquises of Atholl. Because of this ancestry, he’s distantly related to many members of the British royal family. Throughout his career, especially in his romantic comedy roles, he’s often playfully acknowledged his upper-class upbringing.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal, known for his role in ‘Nightcrawler,’ has royal ancestry. He’s a descendant of King Edward III of England and is connected to the Swedish Gyllenhaal family, who hold a noble title there. This means his family has a long and impressive history stretching back centuries, a heritage he shares with his sister.

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal, known as the sister of actor Jake Gyllenhaal, has a fascinating family history. She’s a direct descendant of King Edward III, with noble Swedish roots on her father’s side and a family of artists on her mother’s. This unique blend of royalty and creativity has undoubtedly shaped her successful career in both independent and mainstream films, all while carrying a historically significant family name.

Hilary Duff

Genealogical research has revealed a surprising royal connection for actress Hilary Duff, best known for ‘Lizzie McGuire.’ She’s a distant cousin – eighteenth, in fact – to Queen Elizabeth II, sharing an ancestor in Alexander Groves. Her family history goes all the way back to King Edward III and other important British noble families, making her part of a large group of distant relatives to the British royal family.

Brooke Shields

This actress and model has a surprising amount of royalty in her family history. She’s related to the late Queen Elizabeth II – they’re eighteenth cousins – and also shares ancestors with the French royal family, including King Henry IV. Her family tree also connects to several noble families in Italy. Because of this extensive royal background, she’s one of the most thoroughly documented celebrities with royal ties.

Ellen DeGeneres

The comedian is a distant relative of Princess Catherine, both being descendants of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Agnes Gascoigne, who lived in the 1400s. This makes them fifteenth cousins. She’s frequently mentioned this surprising family connection in her comedy routines and interviews.

Tom Hanks

I was really surprised to learn that Forrest Gump, one of my favorite actors, is actually related to Queen Elizabeth II! Apparently, they share a common ancestor – King John of England, the one who signed the Magna Carta. That makes him a twenty-fourth cousin to a lot of the current royals! And it doesn’t stop there – his family tree is incredibly well-researched, and it turns out he’s also related to several American presidents. It’s amazing how connected everyone is when you trace their family history!

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie has royal roots through her mother, Marcheline Bertrand. She’s a descendant of King Philip II of France, who lived in the 1100s and 1200s. This makes her part of the historic Capetian dynasty, a family that played a major role in European history. Her famous status and dedication to helping others likely reflect this distinguished family background.

Brad Pitt

Edward Norton, known for his role in ‘Fight Club,’ has surprising royal connections. Through his English family history, he’s a distant cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. His ancestors even go back to King Henry II, who ruled England in the 1100s, making him a twenty-fifth cousin twice removed to the current British monarch. This illustrates how many Americans have ancestors from the British Isles.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp, the famous actor known for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ is distantly related to the late Queen Elizabeth II – they’re twentieth cousins! Researchers discovered this connection while exploring his family tree, finding they share ancestors who lived in Virginia during the time when America was a British colony. His lineage actually goes all the way back to King Edward III of England.

Céline Dion

The famous singer is related to both Madonna and Queen Camilla. Their families can trace their roots back to early settlers in Quebec during the 1600s. A common ancestor, Zacharie Cloutier, is a forefather to many well-known people of French Canadian descent, linking this incredible singer to both pop and British royalty.

Madonna

The singer known as the Queen of Pop and Queen Camilla share a common ancestor: a carpenter named Zacharie Cloutier who lived in French Canada in the 1600s. This makes them ninth cousins, once removed. Like her royal relative, the singer has had a remarkable career and left a significant mark on popular culture.

Beyoncé

The famous singer is distantly related to Queen Elizabeth II – they’re twenty-fifth cousins! Her mother’s side of the family can trace its roots back to King Henry II of England. This surprising family history shows just how widespread and interesting the singer, known to fans as Queen Bey, really is. It reveals the many historical connections within her family tree.

Guy Ritchie

You know, it’s wild to learn about the backgrounds of filmmakers! I just found out Guy Ritchie, the guy who directed ‘The Gentlemen,’ is actually a sixth cousin of Prince Charles – now King Charles! Apparently, they share a common ancestor way back in British history. It gets even cooler – he was invited to William and Kate’s wedding back in 2011. And if you watch his films, you’ll notice a recurring theme: he really loves exploring the differences between everyday people and the super-rich in British society. It’s a fascinating contrast he keeps coming back to.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere, the star of ‘Pretty Woman,’ is distantly related to the late Queen Elizabeth II. His family history connects him to many prominent British aristocratic and landowning families. He also shares ancestors with a number of famous Americans and historical figures. This royal connection is a little-known aspect of his identity as a long-time Hollywood actor.

Kyra Sedgwick

Kyra Sedgwick, famous for her role in ‘The Closer,’ comes from a historically significant family with ties to both American and British heritage. She’s a distant relative of Queen Elizabeth II and shares ancestry with several important politicians. Her family includes the notable Sedgwick lineage, a family known for producing judges and leaders over many generations. This impressive family history has been featured on various TV shows focused on genealogy.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close, known for her role in ‘Fatal Attraction,’ has royal connections – she’s a distant cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and other European nobles. Her family has been a well-known presence in the U.S. since the earliest days of the country, while still maintaining its British heritage. She’s also related to several U.S. presidents and important figures from American history. Many believe her poise and strong presence on screen come from this noble background.

Edward Norton

Actor Edward Norton recently learned he’s a descendant of Pocahontas. Family history research also shows he has connections to the British royal family, tracing back to early American colonial times. Genealogists have confirmed he’s a distant cousin of the current members of the House of Windsor. This discovery adds an interesting layer to the background of the acclaimed Hollywood actor.

Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson, known for playing ‘The Batman,’ has a surprising connection to the British royal family. He’s a distant cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry, linked to them through the Pickering family, who lived in northern England centuries ago. This makes him a very distant relative of the future king. Pattinson has transformed his career from a teen heartthrob into a respected dramatic actor, with this royal ancestry adding an unexpected layer to his story.

Helena Bonham Carter

The actress comes from a prominent and aristocratic British family. She’s the great-granddaughter of a former Prime Minister, H.H. Asquith, and has many relatives with titles and positions of nobility. Her family has a long history of service to the British crown. Interestingly, she famously portrayed Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in ‘The King’s Speech,’ a role that reflects her own background.

Paris Hilton

This media personality and entrepreneur is related to the late Queen Elizabeth II – they’re distant cousins. Her family history traces back to King Henry II of England, making them a twentieth cousin of the Queen. Her current status as a well-known socialite and successful businesswoman feels fitting, given her long-standing connection to British high society.

Dakota Fanning

The lead actress in ‘The Alienist’ has royal roots – she’s a very distant relative of King Edward III. Her family history, through the Fanning and Arrington families, connects her to the English throne, and she’s a cousin of Catherine, Princess of Wales. She’s been a successful actress since she was a child.

Elle Fanning

Like her older sister Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning is a direct descendant of King Edward III. Family history research confirmed this royal connection, tracing her lineage back almost 700 years. This makes her part of a historical family line that includes many powerful English kings and queens. She frequently stars in movies that showcase her timeless beauty and refined acting skills.

Bill Hader

Bill Hader, the creator and star of the show ‘Barry,’ recently learned he’s descended from royalty. A genealogy TV show revealed he’s related to both King Edward I and Charlemagne on his mother’s side of the family. The comedian was surprised by the news, as he hadn’t known much about his European ancestors. It turns out his family history connects him to some of the most powerful kings in Western history.

Anderson Cooper

The news anchor comes from New York’s prominent Vanderbilt family, known for their wealth and influence. His mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, was a great-grandchild of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the railroad tycoon who created a vast business empire. This family history also links him, distantly, to noble families in Europe and even the British royal family. This blend of American business success and European aristocracy gives him a truly unique background.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern, known for her role in ‘Big Little Lies,’ is distantly related to Queen Elizabeth II. Her family history includes many prominent figures from both British and American high society. She also comes from a Hollywood acting family – her parents are Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. These impressive family connections further enhance her already successful career in film and television.

Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen, known for her role in ‘WandaVision,’ has a surprising connection to the British royal family. Her family history traces back to the United Kingdom and Northern Europe, making her a cousin of the royals. She shares this ancestry with her sisters, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who are also famous actresses. Olsen is often celebrated for the thoughtful and nuanced quality of her acting.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman, known for her role in ‘Kill Bill,’ has royal roots. She’s a descendant of King Edward I of England through her European family history. Her mother, a German model and noblewoman from the von Schlebrügge family, contributed to this distinguished lineage, which includes knights and members of Sweden’s nobility. Many believe her impressive look and powerful on-screen persona reflect this noble background.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver comes from a distinguished background, with connections to British nobility. Her father led NBC, and her mother was an actress who moved in high society in England. She’s distantly related to people who historically served the British royal family. Throughout her successful Hollywood career, she’s often played powerful and memorable characters.

Jane Seymour

The actress is named after Jane Seymour, one of King Henry VIII’s wives. She’s actually a distant relative of the historical figure through her English family history. She’s proud of this Tudor-era connection, especially given her successful and long career in TV and film. Her family’s noble past often seems to influence the many historical dramas and films she’s appeared in.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde, the director and star of ‘Don’t Worry Darling,’ comes from a family with a strong background in journalism, academia, and British aristocracy. Her family includes members of the British nobility and other prominent figures, and she’s a distant cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. This upbringing has given her a special understanding of fame and life in the public eye.

Cary Elwes

The actor best known for ‘The Princess Bride’ comes from a genuinely noble family, perfectly suiting his most famous role. He’s descended from British aristocrats and historical figures who were powerful and influential. His ancestors also include celebrated artists and prominent members of English high society. This rich family history gives extra depth and believability to his performances as charming and aristocratic characters.

Armie Hammer

The actor from ‘The Social Network’ comes from a very prominent family with a fascinating history. His ancestor, oil tycoon Armand Hammer, and connections to Russian nobility have contributed to generations of wealth and influence spanning multiple continents. He’s even distantly related to the British royal family on his father’s side. This combination of business success and aristocratic roots has given his family a long-standing public profile.

Allison Janney

The Academy Award-winning actress is related to the late Queen Elizabeth II through a distant family connection. Her ancestry includes members of both English nobility and prominent figures from early American history. This background links her to a surprising number of famous people with hidden royal connections. She’s highly regarded in the entertainment world thanks to her talent and range as an actress.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow, known for her role in ‘Iron Man’ and her lifestyle brand, has surprising connections to the British royal family. She’s a distant cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II through her family history in the UK. Coming from a Hollywood family – her father was a producer and her mother an actress – she’s practically Hollywood royalty herself. This family background demonstrates a long tradition of influence in both the arts and wider society.

Reese Witherspoon

The actress from ‘The Morning Show’ has a fascinating family history. She’s directly related to John Witherspoon, one of the people who signed the Declaration of Independence. Remarkably, her ancestors also include members of the British royal family, making her a distant cousin of the current Windsors. This blend of American revolutionary roots and British nobility creates a truly special family tree.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts has surprising ties to the British royal family, as research shows she’s a distant cousin to several of its members. Her family history traces back to the American South and ultimately to the United Kingdom, revealing a fascinating and extensive lineage. Just as she’s become a beloved Hollywood star, her family tree boasts a rich and compelling story.

Meryl Streep

The actress with the most Oscar nominations ever has a surprising connection to royalty – she’s a distant cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. Her family tree shows links to noble families in both Britain and the Netherlands, placing her among a select few performers with royal ancestry. Her impressive career and lasting success are just as noteworthy as her fascinating family background.

George Clooney

The actor known for ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ has a surprising family background: he’s a distant relative of both Abraham Lincoln and the British royal family. His ancestors come from the United Kingdom and played a role in historical events, making him related to several members of the current British monarchy. His work as an actor and his charitable efforts seem to be inspired by his family’s legacy of leadership and impact.

Taylor Swift

This popular singer is related to the renowned poet Emily Dickinson, and she also has ancestors who were part of the British royal family. Family tree research shows she shares common ancestors with many other famous people throughout Western history. Her success in music continues a long tradition of achievement within her family.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Before marrying Prince Harry, Meghan Markle was already distantly related to him. Research by family history experts revealed she’s a descendant of King Edward III on her father’s side, making the couple distant cousins with a shared ancestor from centuries ago. Her transition from actress in Hollywood to a key figure in the British royal family is a remarkable story.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn, the beloved star of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ was born into a noble Dutch family. Her mother, Baroness Ella van Heemstra, came from a well-known family with connections to royal families across Europe. Her father also had ties to British aristocracy and other noble families. This upbringing contributed to her refined grace and style, helping her become a worldwide symbol of elegance.

Grace Kelly

The Academy Award-winning actress came from a well-off family in Philadelphia with ancestors who were European nobles. She became a real princess in 1956 when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. This change from a Hollywood star to a princess made her known around the world for her style and poise. Her family had a history of success in both business and government.

Christopher Lee

The celebrated actor known for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ came from a long line of European nobility. His ancestry included the ancient Italian Carandini family, one of the oldest noble houses on the continent. He was also related to the British royal family and other prominent historical figures. Throughout his career, his natural authority and resonant voice made him ideal for playing characters of high status and power.

Miranda Hart

Miranda Hart, the British comedian known for her show ‘Miranda’, comes from a surprisingly aristocratic family. Her ancestors include several barons and people who held important positions in British politics over the years. This upper-class background is often a running joke in her comedy, creating a funny contrast with her down-to-earth and self-deprecating stage personality.

Share your favorite celebrity with surprising royal connections in the comments.

2026-02-19 17:50