Is Princess Mary of Denmark Related to Queen Elizabeth?

Understanding the Royal Connections

The question of whether Princess Mary of Denmark is related to Queen Elizabeth II is a common one, sparked by her marriage into the Danish royal family. Despite her close ties to the Danish monarchy, Princess Mary's direct line to Queen Elizabeth II is non-existent.

Princess Mary's Background

Princess Mary of Denmark, originally known as Mary Donaldson, was born on February 5, 1972, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. She was the youngest of four children and her parents were of Scottish descent. Mary's journey from an average Australian citizen to marrying Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark created quite a stir in the media, making her a commoner who married into royalty.

No Direct Lineage

Princess Mary's connection to the British royal family is purely through marriage. Crown Prince Frederik, her husband, is the great-grandson of Princess Margaret of Connaught, who was the daughter of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Therefore, Mary is only a 5th or 6th cousin 2x removed from Queen Elizabeth II. This distant relation means that while there is genetic connection, it is minimal and not meaningful in the context of immediate family ties.

Australian Citizenship and Non-Immediacy

It is important to note that Princess Mary was not born a royal. She was an Australian citizen who happened to marry into the Danish royal family. The fact that she was born and raised in Australia further solidifies her status as a commoner by birth. Any genetic connections would be through her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, who has royal bloodlines.

British Ancestry

While Princess Mary was not born into the royal family, she does share British ancestry. Many Australians, especially those of non-Aboriginal descent, can trace their lineage back to the British royal lineage, including Queen Victoria. This genealogical connection means that her children are also descendants of Queen Victoria, which places them in the same royal family tree as Queen Elizabeth II.

Final Words

In summary, while Princess Mary of Denmark and Queen Elizabeth II share a common heritage through Queen Victoria, there is no direct or significant lineage connecting them personally. Her relationship with the British royal family is more indirect and through marriage and shared ancestry. Therefore, Princess Mary of Denmark and Queen Elizabeth II are, in fact, not closely related in any meaningful way.