In a fascinating twist for the royal family tree, the Prince and Princess of Wales have been found to share a famous Irish popstar as a distant relative. New genealogical findings confirm that both Kate Middleton and Prince William are linked to 'The Lady in Red' singer Chris de Burgh.
A Royal and Popstar Family Tree
While it has long been documented that the royal couple are themselves distant cousins, the connection to the Wexford-born musician adds a new layer to their shared heritage. The research indicates that part of Kate's family has roots in Ireland stretching back centuries, which intertwine with the de Burgh lineage.
Interestingly, Chris de Burgh also had a personal connection to William's late mother, Princess Diana. The pair met on several occasions, most notably at a public engagement where Diana named a Virgin Airbus 'Lady In Red' alongside the singer.
Tracing the Lineage Back to Edward III
The complex ancestral web that binds the Waleses and the singer originates from medieval royalty. Genealogists have traced both William and Kate's roots back to King Edward III and his queen, Philippa of Hainault.
Their son, Lionel of Antwerp, married Irish heiress Elizabeth de Burgh, Countess of Ulster. Centuries later, a descendant named Agnes Gascoigne married Sir Thomas Fairfax, a landowner and ally of Henry VIII who resided at Gilling Castle in Yorkshire.
Prince William descends from their son Sir Nicholas Fairfax, while Kate comes from his younger brother, William. This specific link makes the couple fourteenth cousins.
Uncovered Links and Family Comments
The connection between the de Burgh family and the Middletons was first brought to light in 2013. At the time, Chris de Burgh, who is married with three children, expressed surprise at the discovery.
"I was unaware that there is a distant connection between the de Burgh family and the Middletons," the singer said. "There are probably many others also connected to both families. At least that will give us something to talk about should we ever have a cup of tea together."
It is clarified that Chris de Burgh is not a direct descendant of Edward III but shares the surname of the king's daughter-in-law. His mother was Maeve Emily de Burgh, daughter of British Army officer General Sir Eric de Burgh.
In another royal genealogical coincidence, it was noted that Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, are also distant cousins, linked through a 15th-century ancestor named Ralph Bowes.
