Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family

Discovering My Royal Connections: How I’m Related to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Researching my family history is never dull—there’s always a new surprise waiting to be uncovered. I’ve known for some time that I’m related to the British Royal Family through multiple branches of my paternal lineage. In fact, I share ancestry with both Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and his first wife, Princess Diana.

What I didn’t expect to discover, however, was that I am also doubly related to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

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My Family Connection to Prince Harry

Through careful genealogical research, I found that Prince Harry and I share ancestry on both his father’s and mother’s sides.

• On his mother’s side, Princess Diana and I are 17th cousins, making Prince Harry my 18th cousin.

• On his father’s side, through the family of King Charles III, Harry and I are 18th cousins once removed.

My closest lineage connection to Harry is through his mother, Princess Diana—an extraordinary woman whose kindness and compassion inspired millions around the world.

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A Surprising Connection to Meghan Markle

To my surprise, I also discovered a distant connection to Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. After tracing her paternal lineage, I found that Meghan and I are 21st cousins once removed.

While distant, this shared ancestry was an unexpected and fascinating discovery, found through meticulous ancestry research and comparison of shared historical family records.

The Next Generation: Archie and Lilibet

Since I’m related to both Harry and Meghan, their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor is also a distant cousin — my 18th paternal cousin once removed. Their daughter, Princess Lilibet Diana, shares the same relationship to me.

Although I’ve never met the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, I’ve followed their story with great interest. From watching Prince Harry and Prince William grow up to witnessing Meghan’s entry into the Royal Family, it’s been remarkable to observe their journey.

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Reflections on Harry and Meghan’s Journey

When Harry and Meghan first became engaged, I wondered how Meghan would adapt to life as a member of the Royal Family. Despite her experience in the spotlight as an actress, joining “The Firm” is a unique challenge—like learning to drive in a compact car and suddenly taking your test in a bus!

After their marriage, it seemed Meghan was warmly welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II, who appeared to guide her with grandmotherly kindness. I remember thinking, “Meghan’s going to make it.”

However, it wasn’t long before the press began circulating negative stories about the Duchess—something that felt all too familiar for those who remember how Diana was treated by the media. I reserved judgment, knowing that life in the public eye can be incredibly unforgiving.

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Leaving Royal Life Behind

When Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties and move abroad, I thought it was a courageous and heartfelt choice. Leaving behind the only life Harry had ever known could not have been easy. Yet, it was clear that he was determined to prioritize his family’s well-being and happiness.

Today, the couple live in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. They’ve built new careers and founded the Archewell Foundation in 2020 — a charitable organization focused on compassion, mental health, community relief, and global well-being. You can learn more about their initiatives at www.archewell.com.

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Building a Life Beyond the Crown

While Archewell is their platform for change, Harry and Meghan also pursue professional ventures, including partnerships with Netflix and other media projects. It’s encouraging to see them thriving independently, successfully managing their finances and public work outside of the traditional royal structure.

For Harry, leaving the inner circle of the Royal Family must have been a monumental transition. Yet his commitment to his convictions—and to his wife and children—is deeply admirable. I hope that, in time, any rifts within the Royal Family heal, allowing them to reconnect as a family once more.

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Final Thoughts: Family, Fame, and Freedom

I’ve always believed that while fame and privilege may seem glamorous, they often come at a steep cost—privacy, peace, and normalcy. Everyone, regardless of title or status, deserves happiness and freedom from constant scrutiny.

To my distant cousins, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Archie, and Lilibet, I wish nothing but peace and happiness as they continue to forge their own path and create a life filled with purpose and love.