A Royal Connection! Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Cousins

The New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) just issued a press release announcing the royal connection between actress Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. They are confirmed 17th cousins! The future Duchess of Sussex is a 24th generation descendant from from King Edward III. Meghan's gateway ancestor is Rev. William Skipper, who came to New England in 1639 from England. William is Meghan's father's ancestor.

According to NEHGS, Meghan's cousins include the Queen and Princess Diana. Some of her American cousins include former U.S. presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, Chester Alan Arthur and James A. Garfield. I might argue that Meghan is a part of American "royalty".

Are you related to the royal couple? Who is your gateway ancestor?

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The Shamrock Genealogist

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