It’s not often that we think of celebrities as having royal connections, but many of our favorite stars actually have ties to famous royal families. From distant cousins to direct descendants, the links between Hollywood and royalty might surprise you. Let’s take a look at 12 stars with fascinating royal family connections that show how intertwined celebrity and royalty can really be.
– Angelina Jolie – Related to the French Royal Family
Angelina Jolie is not only a Hollywood icon, but she also has ties to French royalty. Through her lineage, she is related to King Philip II of France. Her connection to the French royal family adds an intriguing layer to her already impressive public persona, further solidifying her status as someone with historical connections that stretch beyond the film industry.
– Brad Pitt – Descendant of King Henry II of England
Brad Pitt, one of the most famous actors in the world, is not only related to royalty through his lineage but also boasts an impressive connection to King Henry II of England. His royal bloodline links him to one of the most powerful kings in English history. This royal connection certainly adds an air of mystique to his already fascinating life and career.
– Hilary Duff – Distant Cousin of Queen Elizabeth II
Hilary Duff is known for her acting career and her music, but she also has a royal connection. She is a distant cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, making her one of the most royally-connected celebrities in Hollywood. This link to the British royal family only adds to her star power, highlighting the interesting ways that history and fame intersect.
– Benedict Cumberbatch – 16th Cousin of King Richard III
Benedict Cumberbatch, beloved for his role as Sherlock Holmes, is directly connected to British royalty through his 16th cousin relationship with King Richard III. This link traces back to one of the most famous monarchs in British history. Cumberbatch’s royal bloodline adds an extra layer of depth to his already impressive career, making him one of the most notable royally-connected stars in Hollywood.
– Madonna – Related to French Royal Family (King Louis IX)
Madonna, known for her boundary-pushing music and performances, has a royal connection that ties her to French history. She is related to King Louis IX of France, one of the most revered kings in French history. This royal link gives a fascinating historical perspective on the queen of pop, further cementing her status as an icon not only in music but in history as well.
– Beyoncé – Believed to Be Distantly Related to Queen Elizabeth II
Beyoncé, one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time, is believed to be distantly related to Queen Elizabeth II. This royal connection places her among some of the most famous stars with royal ties, linking the queen of pop and R&B to one of the most prominent families in the world. It’s fascinating to think about the powerful women connected through history.
– Tom Hanks – Related to King John of England
Tom Hanks, an actor loved by audiences for his roles in films like Forrest Gump and Cast Away, is also related to royalty through his connection to King John of England. Known for signing the Magna Carta, King John’s legacy is still felt in England today, and Hanks’s royal connection makes him part of that historical legacy. It’s a fun and unexpected tidbit about one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood.
– Jake Gyllenhaal – Related to King Edward III of England
Jake Gyllenhaal, known for his performances in films like Donnie Darko and Brokeback Mountain, has royal ties as well. He is related to King Edward III of England, a monarch who reigned during one of the most tumultuous periods in English history. Gyllenhaal’s royal connection is a surprising detail that adds an extra layer of depth to his already impressive career.
– Ellen DeGeneres – 15th Cousin of Princess Kate Middleton
Ellen DeGeneres, known for her talk show and her comedic style, is not just related to Hollywood celebrities. She is actually a 15th cousin of Princess Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William and future queen consort of the United Kingdom. DeGeneres’s royal connection is an interesting twist in her already diverse and successful career, showing just how far-reaching royal connections can be.
– Paris Hilton – Related to King Louis XIV of France
Paris Hilton, the socialite and media personality known for her role in reality television, also has royal blood running through her veins. She is related to King Louis XIV of France, one of the most famous and extravagant monarchs in history. This connection links Hilton to the grandeur of French royalty, adding yet another layer to her already famous family background.
– Hugh Grant – Descendant of King Henry II of England
Hugh Grant, the charming British actor known for his roles in romantic comedies like Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral, is also a descendant of King Henry II of England. This royal connection brings an interesting historical twist to Grant’s career, showing that this charming actor has much more than just good looks to boast about.
– Kit Harington – Direct Descendant of King Charles II of England
Kit Harington, best known for his role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, has an even more intriguing connection to royalty. He is a direct descendant of King Charles II of England. This royal connection makes Harington part of an iconic lineage and adds an extra layer of history to his beloved character from Game of Thrones. His ties to royalty further enhance the appeal of his already widely recognized role in one of the most successful TV series of all time.
These 12 stars show just how deep the connections between fame and royalty can run. While their celebrity status is firmly established, their royal family connections are a fascinating part of their legacies. From distant cousins to direct descendants, it’s clear that these stars have a much richer history than just their time in Hollywood.
