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If you have ever suspected you might have some connection to nobility or are simply curious about your family’s past, here is some advice for tracing your ancestors.
According to a recent survey, one in five Brits believe they are related to the Royal Family, and 16 percent believe that they may be connected to royalty in another way.
Genealogist Gary Boyd Roberts, a US expert on royal descent, claimed Americans with Mid-Atlantic Quaker, New England Yankee, or Southern planter ancestry are also likely to have royal descent, especially if they are from England, Scotland or France.
Ancestry is currently inviting people to discover if they might have some royal roots. making over 2.5 UK records free on their website from Thursday, May 4 to Monday, May 8 in order to celebrate King Charles’ Coronation.
The tool has shared some tips, which can help you work out if you are descended from royalty. They include having the last names Howard, Seymour, Percy, Byron, Grosvenor and Fitzroy.
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First of all, it is time to create a family tree if you have not already. Ancestry has said you can look through historic records, such as “parish records, census documents and birth certificates and military records all serve to uncover unexpected royal roots.”
There are also specific names that are likely to have a link to nobility, so Ancestry advises that people should watch out for names such as Howard, Seymour, Percy, Byron, Grosvenor and Fitzroy.
It said: “If you have these names in your family tree, narrow the search and look for signs of wealth; as shown by land and business holdings.
“Wills and probate records on Ancestry can help with that. Also search for records of ancestors who travelled first class—another sign of money, status, and possibly royal connections. For that, ship manifest records on Ancestry may be useful.”
Another way in which you can look back on a royal connection is by talking to older relatives. Ancestry advised specifically speaking with female relatives.
The company said that historic records for women may be more difficult to trace, and explained: “Until as recently as 2020 mothers’ names were excluded from marriage certificates.”
You also consult the officially published royal family trees. The Plantagenet Roll of the Blood Royal database which can trace the desendents of Edward III, the King of England (1312-1377).
Another way to discover any royal roots is by taking a DNA test.
Brad Argent, a family history expert, has said it is now easier than ever to trace back your lineage to see if you are related to royalty.
He said: “With the right information it’s entirely possible to trace your roots back to nobility and the Royal Family.
“The combination of the digitisation of billions of records, millions of family trees being created every year, plus a growing number of people doing DNA tests – means it’s more likely now than at any other time in history that people will be able to trace their lineage back to nobility and therefore find a royal connection.”
Even if you are not related to royalty, Ancestry has said it is very likely that there is likely some interesting connection for you to discover.
The company said: “It’s important not to underestimate the incredible stories waiting to be discovered about how our ancestors may have been connected to the Crown via their work or proximity to nobility.
“Careers working for the large aristocratic houses of Great Britain were often passed down through generations and Ancestry’s 40 billion-strong collection of records is a great place to uncover untold stories of royal connection.”
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