How Meghan Markle Is Related to Winston Churchill, William Shakespeare

Meghan Markle became a part of the British royal family after marrying Prince Harry in 2018, but genealogists found that Queen Elizabeth II and her family members aren’t the duchess' only high-profile relatives.

According to MyHeritage, a genealogy website, Markle is related to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and playwright William Shakespeare.

Markle and Churchill — who was prime minister twice during his career, between 1940 to 1945 and from 1951 to 1955 — are sixth cousins five times removed. The two share a common ancestor in Zachariah Howe, who was born in Massachusetts in 1640 and was a descendant of British settlers who came from Essex in the U.K.

The former “Suits” actress is also apparently the fifth cousin, 13 times removed, of poet and playwright Shakespeare, according to the genealogy service. They are apparently related through the couple John and Joan Whalesborough, who lived in the 14th century. While Meghan is believed to be the descendant of Joan, Shakespeare was related to John.

"When we heard the wonderful news about Harry and Meghan's engagement, we wanted to help Meghan discover some English roots of her own. I'm sure she will be delighted to know that she comes from such prestigious British stock," a spokesperson for MyHeritage.com told Newsweek back in 2017 of the duchess' surprising connection with Britain.

"We are not sure if Ms. Markle is aware of her connection to such eminent Britons, however, it seems that she was always destined to be a Brit," the rep continued.

Interestingly, Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., claimed earlier this year that their family comes from royal stock and that the duchess was already related to the royal family before she married Prince Harry.

In an exclusive interview with Express, Meghan’s estranged brother claimed the Markle is in the direct line of Scottish King Robert the Bruce. It was reportedly royal journalist and author Andrew Morton who revealed the link to him.

Earlier this year, Markle and Prince Harry announced their decision to quit as working royals, and in March, they relocated to Los Angeles to start a new life with their 1-year-old son, Archie. They have been volunteering in the community and working with charities via video calls.

On July 13, Markle will be one of the guest speakers at a three-day gender equality summit. She will be joined by former first lady Michelle Obama, Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and actress Priyanka Chopra-Jonas at the 2020 Girl Up Leadership Summit, which will be held from July 13 to 15.

This will be Markle’s first major speaking event since departing from the U.K. royal family.

Prince Harry and Meghan recently signed on with The Harry Walker Agency, which represents Michelle and former President Barack Obama as well as Hillary and former President Bill Clinton, Hello! reported.