Yes, Queen Elizabeth II was indeed closely related to the Russian Czars through a shared lineage that connected many of Europe's royal houses. This familial bond highlights the intricate web of monarchical intermarriage prevalent across the continent for centuries.
The Shared Royal Lineage
The direct connection between the British Royal Family and the Russian Imperial Family stems from a common Danish ancestry. This relationship became particularly prominent through a pair of royal sisters:
- Queen Alexandra: The great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Alexandra was a Danish princess. She married King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, who was Queen Elizabeth II's great-grandfather.
- Maria Feodorovna (born Princess Dagmar of Denmark): Queen Alexandra's sister, Maria Feodorovna, married Czar Alexander III of Russia.
Key Figures in the Connection
This sisterly bond between Queen Alexandra and Maria Feodorovna created a direct cousin relationship between their children, establishing a close link between the two royal lines:
- King George V: The son of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, King George V was Queen Elizabeth II's grandfather.
- Czar Nicholas II: The son of Czar Alexander III and Maria Feodorovna, Nicholas II was the last Emperor of Russia.
Crucially, King George V and Czar Nicholas II were first cousins, as their mothers (Queen Alexandra and Maria Feodorovna) were sisters. This made Queen Elizabeth II, as the granddaughter of King George V, a direct descendant of the same lineage that connected her to Czar Nicholas II and the Romanov dynasty.
Visualizing the Relationship
The table below illustrates the family ties that connected Queen Elizabeth II to the Russian Czars:
| Family Line 1 (British Monarchy) | Family Line 2 (Russian Imperial Family) | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Christian IX of Denmark | Christian IX of Denmark | Shared Ancestor |
| Queen Alexandra (Daughter) | Maria Feodorovna (Daughter) | Sisters |
| Married King Edward VII | Married Czar Alexander III | |
| Their son: King George V | Their son: Czar Nicholas II | First Cousins |
| Their granddaughter: Queen Elizabeth II | Closely Related |
The close resemblance between King George V and Czar Nicholas II was often noted, further emphasizing their strong familial connection. This shared heritage underscores the deeply interwoven nature of European royalty, where political alliances and marital unions often solidified dynastic bonds.
