They couldn’t come from more opposing walks of life. But according to a surprising new report from The Mail on Sunday, Prince Harry and his rumoured fiancée Meghan Markle are actually distant relatives.
The UK publication has gone way back in the pair’s family trees and claims the British-born Prince and American actress are far-flung cousins, related through a late family member of The Queen Mother’s from the 15th century.
Well, we did say far-flung, not first cousins!
According to the Mail’s genealogical investigation, Meghan inherited the royal relation via her father’s side of the family while Harry shares the link through Prince Charles’ line.
Sifting through Meghan’s blood line on her dad Thomas Markle’s side all the way back 15 generations, the publication found Meghan and Prince Harry were both related to an English man called Ralph Bowes.
Dear old Ralph was the High Sheriff of County Durham and even owned his own sprawling castle called Streatham Castle.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle share a distant relative through the Queen Mother.
Five generations later, Prince Harry’s side of the family tree welcomed Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who went on to become The Queen Mother after marry King George VI and raising two daughters together – Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.
Prince Harry and Meghan shouldn’t feel too grossed out by the minuscule link. After all, The Queen and Prince Phil are second cousins once removed via their shared relative, King Christian IX of Denmark.
Meanwhile, engagement rumours continue to intensify following reports the couple had tea with Queen Elizabeth earlier in the month.
WATCH: Meghan Markle’s sister denies calling the actress self-obsessed. Post continues below…
Meghan’s father Thomas has also reportedly given his daughter’s romance his blessing.
“He’s happy his daughter’s with Prince Harry and he’s glad she’s found love. He’s happy as long as Meghan is happy,” the retired lighting director’s neighbour Allison Leber told The Mail on Sunday.
There’s also speculation Harry has asked Thomas for his daughter’s hand in marriage.
“Tom loves Meghan more than anything and will support her on this journey, wherever it might lead. All he has ever wanted is for her to be happy.”
