Genetically, being third cousins is pretty safe. The risk of inherited disorders is only slightly higher than in the general population. So no, they weren’t producing inbred heirs like some Habsburg chin situation. Prince Charles turned out fine (well, fine-ish—he’s complicated).
Are Queen Elizabeth And Prince Philip Cousins Family Tree at Monica
But here’s the irony: Philip wasn’t even British by birth. He was a Greek prince with Danish and German blood, fleeing revolutions. Yet he was more genetically British than Elizabeth in some ways, thanks to all that cousin-wrapping. It’s like finding out your husband is secretly your distant uncle—but in a weird, romantic, royal way.
So, were they just cousins who fell in love? Pretty much.
They were also friends, partners, and a power couple for 73 years. Philip once joked, “I’m just a bloody German.” But he was also Elizabeth’s cousin, which gave them an intimate understanding of duty, protocol, and the insanity of being a Windsor. Who else could she gossip about family with?
And let’s not forget the public side: when they walked down the aisle, nobody batted an eye. British tabloids didn’t scream “INCEST!” because cousin marriage was still socially acceptable in the 1940s—especially among the upper crust.
So the next time you hear someone say “the royal family is a circus,” remember: it’s also a family reunion that never ends. Elizabeth and Philip were just the star performers, holding hands while sharing a great-great-grandma. It’s weird, it’s fascinating, and honestly? It makes their love story a little more human. After all, what’s more relatable than marrying someone who has your grandmother’s nose?
Now go call your own third cousin and wish them a happy birthday. You never know—they might be your soulmate.
