Ou, Awkward…Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are Apparently Related
Before you sign up for that free trial on Ansestry.ca, be forewarned: you might find out you’re related to your princess-to-be.
The Mail Online took the liberty of filling out Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s family tree for them — you know, before they seal the deal with a very official royal engagement. And surprise! The genealogical investigation found that the couple are actually cousins. Cue the Mean Girls gif:
Markle and Harry share a common ancestor through the Queen Mother. His name is Ralph Bowes, and he was a High Sheriff of County Durham in England. But this was back in the 1500s, so it doesn’t really count. If we went back that far, we’d probably all be cousins, right?
This """reporting""" on Harry and Meghan being distant cousins — like we don't know Tudor-Stewart history.
— ?Ho-LeDae Heart? (@DustToSideChix) November 2, 2017
Either way, it’s NBD. Because unlike monopoly and last names, kissing cousins isn’t totally taboo in the British monarchy. It’s actually quite common for royal couples to share royal ancestors, even in modern history. For example: did you know that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip are third cousins? (They’re the ones played by Claire Foy and Matt Smith on The Crown, for those more familiar with Netflix screens than IRL British history.)
Queen Victoria was also related to her husband, Prince Albert, as first cousins and as third cousins once removed. They had a very fruitful family, with many of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren marrying into other royal families of Europe. If it all worked out well for them, we’re confident things will work between Meghan and Prince Harry. 15th cousins or not, we’re still rooting for you guys! ? ? ?