Top 10 Celebrities with Aristocratic Connections

Known for her roles in "Game of Thrones" and "Downton Abbey," Leslie has a fascinating background. Born Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie, she comes from the Scottish noble Leslie family. Her childhood home was Lickleyhead Castle, a 15th-century estate in Aberdeenshire. Rose's father, Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, is the Aberdeenshire Chieftain of Clan Leslie, while her mother, Candida Mary Sibyl Leslie, belongs to Clan Fraser. Beyond her immediate family, Rose's lineage includes connections to King Charles II of England and Scotland. This heritage is a part of her identity, providing her with a unique perspective and connection to history, which enriches her roles in period dramas.

This prince of Asgard also has some… low-key earthly royal connections. Born Thomas William Hiddleston, Hiddleston's great-great-grandfather, Sir Edmund Vestey, was a wealthy baronet, cementing his aristocratic roots. Educated at prestigious institutions such as Eton College and the University of Cambridge, Hiddleston's upbringing was steeped in the traditions of British elite society. This background, combined with his classical training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, has contributed to his nuanced portrayals of complex characters, seamlessly blending his heritage with his acting skills.

Particularly celebrated for his roles in romantic comedies, the famously Oxford University-educated Grant has intriguing historical connections. He is related to King Henry VII of England through a distant lineage, linking him to the Tudor dynasty. Grant's ancestry has connections to Scottish nobility, with his family tree tracing back to notable figures. His mother, Fynvola Susan MacLean, descended from the MacLeans of Scotland, a prominent clan with deep roots in Scottish history. Additionally, Grant's paternal great-grandfather, Dr. James Stewart, was a notable physician and historian.

This dynamic sibling duo traces part of their heritage to a Swedish noble family. This family lineage dates back to the 17th century, with roots in the military, being ennobled in 1652 under Queen Christina of Sweden. Jake and Maggie’s ancestor, Nils Gunnarsson Haal, was the progenitor of this noble line, having served as a cavalry lieutenant, and this history is preserved through the family's noble surname, distinguishing their storied past. The Gyllenhaals' noble status is highlighted by their coat of arms, a symbol of their historical significance and contributions to Swedish society.

This star may be the king of dark roles, like his starring turns in "Schindler's List" and the "Harry Potter" series, but he also has significant bloodlines. He is an eighth cousin to Prince Charles, stemming from a shared ancestry with King James II of Scotland. Fiennes boasts ties to the Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes family, an English aristocratic family with deep historical roots. His father, Mark Fiennes, was a farmer and photographer, while his mother, Jennifer Lash, was a novelist and painter. Educated at institutions such as Bishop Wordsworth's School and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Fiennes's background reflects a blend of the arts and the nobility.

This singer and actor has a fascinating personal history. She is a descendant of King Edward III of England through her father’s side. This connection places her as the 18th cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, making Duff one of the closest American celebrities related to the royal family. Her ancestry includes Alexander Spotswood, a British army officer and colonial governor of Virginia, who is the 10th great-grandson of Edward III​. Furthermore, Hilary Duff’s roots extend beyond the English monarchy. She is also connected to Robert the Bruce, the famous Scottish king known for leading Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England.

Here’s a… model example of a celebrity with roots in the aristocracy. Shields is a direct descendant of Henry IV of France, also known as Henry of Navarre, who was the first French monarch of the House of Bourbon. Shields' lineage extends through her father's side, with her paternal grandmother, Donna Marina Torlonia, belonging to an Italian noble family. The Torlonia family held princely status in Italy, further cementing Shields' heritage. Additionally, her maternal ancestry encompasses ties to French, Italian, and German nobility. Brooke Shields' distinguished family ties add genuine historical depth to her career in the spotlight.

This socialite, actress, and businesswoman has notable historical connections. She is a descendant of Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton Hotels, which established the Hilton family’s prominence. More specifically, Paris Hilton's lineage traces back to European nobility through her maternal grandmother, Baroness de Longueuil. The title of Baron de Longueuil is a Canadian peerage granted by King Louis XIV of France in 1700. Her great-grandfather, Jean de Longueuil, was the 4th Baron de Longueuil. This aristocratic title is one of the few hereditary titles recognized by the monarch of Canada, tying Paris Hilton to both American entrepreneurial success and European nobility.

This beloved heartthrob, widely admired for his roles in "Sherlock" and the MCU is distantly related to King Richard III of England, linking him to the Plantagenet dynasty. Cumberbatch's lineage also incorporates ties to prominent British families, with his ancestors serving in significant roles throughout history. His paternal great-great-grandfather, Henry Alfred Cumberbatch, was a diplomat who served as the Consul General of Queen Victoria in Turkey and Lebanon. Educated at prestigious institutions such as Harrow School and the University of Manchester, Cumberbatch's background reflects a blend of noble heritage and academic excellence.

You may not have expected this one, but Madonna indeed has some royal relatives in her line. She is related to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, making her a distant cousin of British royalty. Madonna's family history also includes ties to French-Canadian ancestors who were part of the original settlers in Quebec, with some tracing back to French nobility. Her heritage has also been shown to have distant connections to King Edward III of England, and her family tree even extends very distantly to French King Louis IX. Plus, she herself is now music royalty, so that counts too, right?

What other celebs could have made this list? Let us know in the comments!