Many of our beloved celebrities have royal bloodlines that connect them to kings and queens from history. Despite being recognized for their captivating roles and performances on screen, they also hold titles and lineages that can be traced back to ancient thrones and aristocratic ancestors. The red carpet only scratches the surface of their rich and fascinating heritage.
Thandiwe Newton: Reclaiming Her Royal Roots
Renowned actress Thandiwe Newton has made a significant move to reclaim the original spelling of her first name. For the past three decades, she has gone by the name “Thandie” due to a director’s error in her debut film, where the “w” was omitted from her acting credit without her consent.
This anglicized version of her name unintentionally became her professional identity. However, with more control over her work and public image, the actress revealed to British Vogue that she had decided to use her original Zulu-derived spelling in all future projects.
“That’s my name. It’s always been my name. I’m taking back what’s mine.”
The actress’ decision has garnered widespread support and sparked conversations about the importance and significance of one’s name.
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Brooke Shields: A French Connection
Brooke Shields, known by many, possesses more than just physical beauty in her DNA. Shields can trace her lineage to King Henry IV of France, making her a descendant of nobility. Moreover, her connection to English royalty through John of Gaunt makes her lineage a story of European royalty.
Exploring Brooke’s father’s lineage revealed ties to Italian aristocracy. On the other hand, her mother’s ancestry is intertwined with the fascinating history of American working-class families.
Ellen DeGeneres: Jester Turned Royal?
It may come as a surprise, but Ellen – known for her laughter and passion for dance – has a royal connection. Despite the unexpected link, it’s said that genes have a way of revealing themselves.
The popular host of a talk show is actually the 15th cousin of none other than Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. This interesting fact can be traced back to shared ancestors from the 1400s, Sir Thomas Fairfax and Agnes Gascoigne.
Johnny Depp: More than Just Captain Jack Sparrow
The enigmatic Johnny Depp is known for his deep dives into character roles, but even he might’ve been surprised to learn about his royal roots. While Depp has played myriad roles, from pirates to mad hatters, his real-life connection to royalty is jaw-dropping.
Dr. Nick Barratt, associated with Who Do You Think You Are?, uncovered Depp’s potential link to the British royal family, tracing back over 500 years!
Madonna: An Ex-Royal Match
The acclaimed pop artist traces her lineage to the French-Canadian Madeleine Ernard and her husband, carpenter Zacharie Cloutier (1617-1708).
This connection makes her a ninth cousin once removed to the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles, as reported by the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston. Additionally, they share another notable ancestor in their family tree.
Benedict Cumberbatch: The Detective with a Crown?
Benedict Cumberbatch comes from a family of respected actors. His father, Timothy Carlton, is a well-known English actor, and his mother, Wanda Ventham, is a celebrated actress. Interestingly, Benedict can trace his lineage back to royalty and is King Richard III’s third cousin, 16 times removed.
King Richard III was the ruler of England from October 2, 1452, until he lost his crown to Henry VII during the Wars of the Roses on August 22, 1485. In The Hollow Crown film series, Benedict had the opportunity to play his distant relative, King Richard III, in a fascinating blend of art and ancestry.
Brad Pitt: From Hollywood Hills to Ancient Thrones
Brad Pitt, the renowned Hollywood actor known for his captivating performances and undeniable charisma, has had an impressive career spanning over three decades. This extensive experience has prepared him for a variety of roles, even those of a royal nature.
Interestingly, outside of his on-screen endeavors, Pitt has ancestral connections to the British monarchy. Recent research from FindMyPast.com has revealed that the actor, famous for his roles in movies like Ocean’s Eleven, is actually the 25th cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, with two generations removed. This connection can be traced back to King Henry II of England in the 12th century.
Angelina Jolie: Screen Goddess with Royal Lineage
It’s worth noting that Pitt’s former spouse, Angelina Jolie, also has a royal ancestry. Her lineage can be traced back to King Philip II of France, as King Henry II’s wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was previously married to Louis VII, whose father was King Philip II.
Jolie is the 26th cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and is related to the Duchess of Brabant, Marie of France, who is a descendant of King Philip II. As a result, the Maleficent star has a royal connection as well.
Source: Vogue
