Celebrities’ Descendants of Royalty

 

Several celebrities’ descendants of royalty are in the news lately. Some of the most famous ones are Kate Middleton, Ellen DeGeneres, Akosua Busia, and Tom Hanks. These celebrities were born into royalty, and they are very lucky to have this kind of background. Some of these celebrities have even been known to use this background for inspiration in their works.

Tom Hanks

Whether you’re looking for a way to impress your friends or simply learn something about Hollywood royalty, Tom Hanks is a good place to start. The actor is a close cousin to some of the most famous people in history. He shares a five-times great-grandfather with Fred Rogers.

Tom Hanks’ patrilineal line can be traced back to King John of England. King John reigned from 1199 to 1216. He was the youngest son of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. He ruled poorly, and his reign ended in poverty.

Guy Ritchie

Known for his fast paced action films, actor/director Guy Ritchie has been in the business for a while. He started out working entry level jobs in the film industry, eventually directing a few television commercials. He also earned recognition for his jaw dropping debut, Snatch. But did he know his ancestors had a royal bloodline?

The New England Historic Genealogical Society says that Guy Ritchie has a few cousins whose names go back to King James II of Scotland and King Henry II of England. He is also a great, great grandson of renowned Major General Edward McLaughlin.

Akosua Busia

Known for her roles as Nettie Harris in The Color Purple and Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Akosua Busia is a talented actress. She has also written a number of novels. She also co-wrote a song with Stevie Wonder.

Busia is the daughter of Kofi Abrefa Busia, a former Prime Minister of Ghana. He served as Prime Minister from 1969 to 1972. He died of a heart attack. He was also the former President of Ghana.

She studied at Oxford University and the London Central School of Speech and Drama. She also wrote for television. She also wrote the screenplay for the film version of the novel Beloved by Toni Morrison.

Ellen DeGeneres

Besides being a standout TV host, comedian and actor, Ellen DeGeneres has one more secret in her closet. A recent study reveals that Ellen is actually related to royalty, albeit in a minor and understated way. Her royal kin can be traced back to King Edward III who ruled England from 1327 to 1377. Not only are Ellen and the queen related by blood, they also share an ancestor who happens to be the duchess of Cambridge.

While the television host isn’t one to take her role as an actress seriously, her recent discovery has certainly earned her a seat at the high tea table. While she is unlikely to receive an invitation to Prince George’s wedding, the findings are nonetheless awe-inspiring.

Uma Thurman

Whether they are famous for their glamorous appearances or their charitable contributions, some celebrities are actually related to royalty. Here are a few of Hollywood’s A-listers who are related to the British royal family.

Tilda Swinton is a super talented actress with close royal lineage. She is a direct descendant of Scottish king Robert the Bruce. In addition, she shares ancestry with Angelina Jolie. She also shares ancestry with the French king Phillip II.

Jennifer Lawrence’s ancestors are even more famous than her. She discovered her noble ancestry on the TV show Who Do You Think You Are?

Beyonce Knowles

Those who have heard of the multi-platinum, Grammy Award winning artist Beyonce Knowles know she’s one of the best selling artists of all time. The singer-songwriter is not only a singer, but also an actress and record producer. In addition to her work in music, Knowles is also an entrepreneur. She owns a clothing line, named after her grandmother Agnes Derouen. Beyonce Knowles and Jay Z have a daughter named Blue Ivy. This young lady is destined for a career as a singer.

Beyonce’s ancestry dates back to Louisiana and Alabama. Her grandmother Agnes was a renowned seamstress in Louisiana. Beyonce’s mother, Tina, was also a seamstress.

Kate Middleton

During her marriage to Prince William, Kate Middleton became a member of the British royal family. However, her family’s ties to the royal family are not limited to Britain. There are millions of Americans who have a common ancestor with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate Middleton’s maternal grandmother, Carole Goldsmith, is a direct descendant of King Edward III of England. The king ruled England from 1327 to 1377. Kate’s mother, Carole, is also a direct descendant of King Edward III.

Kate Middleton’s maternal grandfather, Thomas Fairfax, was married to Agnes Gascoigne. Sir Thomas Fairfax died during the reign of King Henry VIII.