Thinking of royalty brings forth notions like ancient masquerades, family trees, monarchs, and palaces. But could some of your favourite celebrities have ancestral ties to royalty? Fame often dubs modern-day stars with metaphorical titles like the “Queen of Pop” or “King of Comedy”. But some stars might indeed hail from families with a royal lineage.
Interesting relations of modern-day celebrities to long-dead monarchs were discovered in genealogical research. This research uncovered pop icons and actors being linked to European nobility, exploring their roots to historical legends.
You will be shocked to find out the following actors and actresses have royal lineage—French kings, British queens, and even Scottish warriors.
Tilda Swinton – Descendant of Robert the Bruce
Tilda Swinton happens to be one of the most famous Scottish actresses, and she rules over the cinematic world for her acting chops in Michael Clayton, The Chronicles of Narnia, among other movies. Apart from being a scintillating actress, she is also of noble birth.
Her family tree includes Robert the Bruce. This was a Scottish King in the 14th century who is known for leading Scotland to freedom from England. Her noble lineage is a matter of public record, and like any other Scot, she takes pride in her heritage.
Brad Pitt – Linked to King Henry II of England
Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt isn’t just royalty on the red carpet. He is related to a slew of British royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, through the English King Henry II, who ruled the country in the 12th century.
This fact adds yet another fascinating layer to the life of Pitt, which includes hit movies, philanthropic work, and mediaeval kings and queens. Mendoza says genealogists have claimed that Pitt’s ancestry traces back to the ancient English monarch.
Beyoncé – 25th Cousin to Queen Elizabeth II
Queen B shares more common ground with an actual queen than her moniker suggests. Beyoncé’s bloodline makes her the 25th cousin once removed to Queen Elizabeth II. While this connection is rather distant, it still places the global superstar under a centuries-spanning regal family tree.
Guy Ritchie – Tied to King Edward I
The British filmmaker Guy Ritchie is famous for works like Snatch and Sherlock Holmes, and he has aristocratic ancestry that goes all the way back to King Edward I of England. Some sites confirm this link through Ritchie’s mother’s family line.
His great-great-grandfather also lived in the historic Byron Hall, which strengthens his connections to Britain’s noble history. From gangster saga films to ancient bloodlines, Ritchie’s life is truly remarkable.
Benedict Cumberbatch – Related to King Richard III
Acclaimed actor Benedict Cumberbatch is a second cousin 16 times removed of Britain’s last king to die in battle, King Richard the Third.
This relation came to the spotlight in 2015 when Cumberbatch read a poem during the king’s reinterment ceremony at Leicester Cathedral. Genealogists have traced the actor’s lineage back to Cecily Neville, mother of Richard III.
Hilary Duff – Descendant of King Edward III
Former Disney star Hilary Duff has made headlines for being one of the most royally connected American celebrities. Family history research shows that she is related to King Edward III of England, going back 18 generations.
He was a king in the 1300s. This connection was found through studies that show many people in America today may have royal ancestors without even knowing it.
Bob Odenkirk – 11th Cousin of King Charles III
It might come as a shock to fans of Better Call Saul, but actor Bob Odenkirk is a distant royal relative. On an episode of PBS’s Finding Your Roots, Odenkirk discovered that he is the 11th cousin of King Charles III.
Known for his comedic and dramatic roles, Odenkirk’s reaction was one of amused disbelief. His story is a reminder that royal blood can run through the most unexpected veins.
Madonna – Related to Queen Camilla
The Queen of Pop is related to the Queen Consort of the United Kingdom. Genealogists found that Madonna and Queen Camilla share a common ancestor in Zacharie Cloutier, a 17th-century French carpenter who settled in Quebec.
This lineage makes the two women 10th cousins, connecting the Material Girl to British royalty in a twist fit for a tabloid headline.
Angelina Jolie – 26th Cousin of Queen Elizabeth II
Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie has a family tree that reaches across the Channel. She is reportedly the 26th cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, through her mother’s side.
Jolie’s royal link goes back to King Philip II of France, cementing her place among celebrities with noble heritage. Known for her work in global diplomacy and refugee advocacy, her blue blood adds another layer to her global influence.
Danny Dyer – Descendant of William the Conqueror
British actor and TV personality Danny Dyer discovered his noble ancestry on the BBC show Who Do You Think You Are?. Dyer is a direct descendant of William the Conqueror, the Norman king who claimed the English throne in 1066.
He is also related to King Edward III, making him one of the most royally connected entertainers in the UK. Dyer embraced the revelation with humour, blending his East End roots with a surprising dose of royal pride.
Conclusion
Most people think royals and celebrities live in very different worlds. But that’s not always true. These ten celebrities show how royal bloodlines can still be part of modern life. Some are distant relatives of kings and queens, while others have royal ancestors that might surprise you.
For many of us, castles and crowns feel like something from a fairy tale. But for these famous stars, being connected to royalty is actually part of their family story.