Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family Ancestry

Discovering My Surprising Family Connection to President Barack Obama

One of my most unexpected family discoveries came when I learned that I share ancestry with yet another U.S. President—none other than Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the office. This revelation truly surprised me, especially since I’ve long admired him and his historic presidency.

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My Family Connection to President Obama

My relationship to President Obama comes through my paternal line, while his connection to me is through his maternal side. Our shared ancestor is my 22nd great-grandfather, King Edward I of England (Edward Longshanks). For President Obama, King Edward I is his 23rd great-grandfather.

It seems King Edward I is responsible for producing quite a few remarkable descendants throughout history—yours truly humbly included (at least for now!).

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President Barack Obama’s Heritage and Royal Ties

Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His mother’s American lineage dates back to the Pilgrim era, much like my own, and his European ancestry includes connections to several royal houses. In fact, President Obama is also a distant cousin to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Princes William and Harry.

I always admired how naturally President and First Lady Michelle Obama interacted with the British Royal Family. Their warmth and mutual respect during public meetings with Queen Elizabeth and the Princes were clear to see—evidence, perhaps, of both shared heritage and shared humanity. Over time, those encounters evolved into what appeared to be genuine friendship.

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Barack Obama’s Rise to Leadership

Like many people, I first heard of Barack Obama when he became the Democratic nominee for President in 2008. The first time I heard him speak, I immediately recognized his extraordinary gift as an orator. His ability to communicate with calm confidence—whether addressing serious global issues or lighter topics—set him apart as a true statesman.

Obama’s journey to the presidency is equally inspiring. Before entering politics, he made history as the first African American President of the Harvard Law Review after enrolling at Harvard Law School in 1988. He later worked as a civil rights attorney and constitutional law professor at the University of Chicago.

From 1997 to 2004, Obama represented Illinois’s 13th district in the state senate. His national breakthrough came in 2004, when he delivered a powerful keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, paving the way for his successful presidential campaign in 2008.

That same year, he became the 44th President of the United States, with Michelle Obama as First Lady. Interestingly, the outgoing president at the time—George W. Bush—is also distantly related to both Barack Obama and myself through Bush’s mother, Barbara Bush. I often wonder if either of them ever discovered that connection!

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Reflections on Obama’s Presidency

Though I’m not an American citizen, I’ve always had a strong interest in U.S. politics. As a Canadian, I recognize how closely our nations are linked—historically, culturally, and economically. When America sneezes, Canada catches a cold, as the saying goes.

One of President Obama’s most memorable achievements was the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Having lived in the U.S. and witnessed the high cost of medical care, I found this initiative to be an important step toward more equitable healthcare access. While not perfect, it represented meaningful progress for millions of Americans.

During his eight years in office, President Obama advanced human rights, navigated complex global conflicts, and oversaw the operation that led to the elimination of Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks. In true presidential fashion, he handled the moment with humility—announcing the mission’s success without boasting. It was leadership marked by dignity and grace.

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A Legacy of Leadership and Connection

While I didn’t agree with every policy his administration pursued, my respect for Barack Obama’s leadership never wavered. His calm demeanor, global diplomacy, and commitment to unity made him a true statesman. Together, President and First Lady Obama built bridges where others might have built walls, and for this significant quality, I am proud to include him in my family tree.