The Royal Connection: How Queen Elizabeth II is Related to King George III

The British Royal Family is replete with fascinating connections and histories. One such remarkable relationship is how Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) is related to King George III (1738-1820). This article delves into their genealogical link, elucidating the intricate ties that bind the long line of the British monarchy.

A Genealogical Overview

King George III reigns as the great-great-great-great grandfather of Charles, the current King of the United Kingdom. His lineage can be traced back to King George II, with Frederick, his father, having predeceased George II in 1751. The descent of the current Royal family follows a fascinating trajectory, as detailed below:

Descent of the Current Royal Family

George III Edward Duke of Kent (Strathern) Victoria (Queen) Edward VII George V George VI Elizabeth II Charles III

It is important to note that there were other kings between George III and Victoria, such as George IV and William IV, who unfortunately did not have heirs. These events paved the way for Augustus, who became the next King and reign as the Elector of Hanover, following the Salic Law which restricts succession to male heirs in certain realms.

Elizabeth II's Lineage

Queen Elizabeth II's lineage is complex, connecting her through her father, George VI, to King George III. Let us break down her connection in detail:

Through the Grandfather Line

Queen Elizabeth II is George III's 4th great-granddaughter. Following her grandfather's side of the family, the connection is detailed as:

George III Edward Duke of Kent (Strathern) Victoria (Queen) Edward VII George V George VI Elizabeth II

However, as Queen Mary of Teck, Elizabeth II's grandmother, was also a descendant of George III, they shared a closer connection. Queen Mary and King George V were 2nd cousins once removed, thus making Queen Elizabeth II her 3rd great-grandfather.

Porphyria and the Health of King George III

King George III, who reigned from 1760 to 1820, is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Historical accounts and the film "The Madness of King George" have painted him as a man tormented by illnesses. Modern medical research suggests that King George III was likely suffering from porphyria, a group of disorders that result from a build-up of natural chemicals that produce porphyrin in your body. When porphyrins are high, they can cause significant neurological and skin problems.

The specific type of porphyria that plagued King George III, acute porphyria, mainly affects the nervous system and produces symptoms akin to what was described in his ill health. Cutaneous porphyria can also cause skin and muscle issues, producing symptoms similar to gout, though it is not a form of dementia as commonly perceived in popular culture and fictional depictions.

Conclusion

The connection between Queen Elizabeth II and King George III is a testament to the rich and intricate history of the British Royal Family. Understanding their genealogical ties not only provides insight into the lineage but also offers a window into the medical mysteries of the past. Whether it be through George III's connection to porphyria or the numerous familial ties, the story of the British monarchy remains a compelling and fascinating narrative.