Glenn Close’s Shocking Royal Family Secret Revealed on TV Show

Family trees can hold the most incredible surprises, and Glenn Close just received one of the biggest shocks of her life on national television. The acclaimed actress was left speechless during an appearance on PBS’s “Finding Your Roots” when she learned about her direct family connection to Princess Diana. The revelation came as a complete surprise to Close, who had no idea about the royal link in her ancestry until the show’s genealogical research uncovered the truth.

“You are directly related to Princess Diana,” the show’s host revealed, prompting an amazed response from the “Fatal Attraction” star. Close’s reaction was immediate and genuine: “Really? Wow.”

The genealogical investigation revealed that Close and the late Princess of Wales are eighth cousins, sharing common ancestors through Sarah and Joseph Strong, who serve as Close’s seventh great-grandparents. This discovery means the two women’s family lines converged several generations ago, creating an unexpected bond between Hollywood royalty and actual royalty.

Perhaps most remarkably, the two women actually met in person long before either knew about their family connection. In 1989, Close encountered Princess Diana at the London premiere of “Dangerous Liaisons,” where Diana met several actors, including Uma Thurman and John Malkovich. Close’s memory of that meeting remains fond: “She was lovely.”

A Royal Connection Revealed

When asked if she had any suspicions about the family relationship, Close’s response showcased her characteristic humor and observational skills. “No, but look at our hairstyles. They’re very, they’re very much alike,” she noted, pointing to similarities between her appearance and Diana’s in photographs from their 1989 meeting.

The emotional impact of the discovery was evident in Close’s thoughtful reaction. “Wow, it’s exciting and I’ll have to think about it for a while, you know? It makes me feel stronger,” she shared during the PBS episode.

This revelation adds another layer to Close’s already impressive family connections to the British royal family. According to Business Insider, the actress is also related to Queen Elizabeth II as a 24th cousin through their shared ancestor, King John. This medieval monarch, who ruled England from 1199 to 1216, serves as the connecting point between Close’s American family line and the current British royal family.

King John, the youngest son of King Henry II, held the title Count of Mortain and maintained lordship over lands in Ireland, according to Britannica. His reign lasted 17 years and concluded with his sealing of the Magna Carta, one of the most significant documents in history, which established limits on royal power.

Hollywood Meets History

Close’s royal connections place her among numerous celebrities who have discovered distant relationships to the British monarchy. The extensive branches of royal family trees often reveal surprising connections to contemporary figures, demonstrating how historical bloodlines continue to influence modern genealogy.

Born in Connecticut in 1947, Close grew up in an affluent family with four siblings before her family’s involvement with the Moral Re-Armament movement significantly shaped her early years. Her journey from those formative experiences to Broadway success and eventual Hollywood stardom now includes this remarkable royal connection.

The actress built her career foundation in theater, earning Tony Award nominations and wins before transitioning to film success with movies like “The World According to Garp.” Her diverse portfolio spans over three decades and includes memorable roles in “101 Dalmatians,” “Damages,” and “Hillbilly Elegy.”