Who are the forgotten cousins of Queen Elizabeth? Unraveling the Royal Family Tree's Lesser-Known Branches

When most Americans think of the British Royal Family, their minds immediately go to Queen Elizabeth II, her children like Prince Charles (now King Charles III), her grandchildren like Prince William and Prince Harry, and perhaps some of the more prominent aunts and uncles from earlier generations. But like any sprawling family tree, the Windsors have numerous branches that extend into less familiar territory. These are the "forgotten cousins," individuals who, while carrying royal blood, have lived lives largely outside the glare of the public spotlight, making them intriguing, if obscure, figures to those fascinated by the monarchy.

The Grandchildren of King George V and Queen Mary

To understand Queen Elizabeth II's forgotten cousins, we need to go back a generation. Her father was King George VI, who was the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. King George V had six children, but the most prominent in recent memory are his eldest son, King Edward VIII (who abdicated), and his second son, King George VI.

However, King George V also had four other children:

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (died in infancy)
Princess Mary, Princess Royal
Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester
Prince George, Duke of Kent

It is through the descendants of Princess Mary, Prince Henry, and Prince George that we find Queen Elizabeth II's closest, yet often overlooked, cousins. Their children and grandchildren are the individuals we're exploring.

The Children of Princess Mary, Princess Royal

Princess Mary was the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. She married Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood. They had two sons:

George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (1923–2011). George was a significant figure in the opera world as a director and administrator. He was married three times and had several children, some of whom remain actively involved in the arts and hereditary peerage. While a cousin to the Queen, his public profile was primarily within the cultural sphere, not royal duties.
Gerald Lascelles (1924–1998). Gerald was also a cousin to Queen Elizabeth. He pursued a career in the Royal Engineers and later worked for a property development company. He married twice and had one son. His life was considerably more private than that of his elder brother.

The Children of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester

Prince Henry was the third son of King George V and Queen Mary. He married Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott. They had two sons:

Prince William of Gloucester (1941–1972). Prince William was known for his adventurous spirit and passion for flying. He tragically died in an aviation accident at a young age. He was a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II and, had he lived, might have had a more prominent role.
Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (born 1944). Prince Richard is the current Duke of Gloucester and a working member of the Royal Family, albeit one who rarely takes center stage. He and his wife, Birgitte, undertake royal engagements, but their profile is significantly lower than that of the King or the Prince of Wales. He is a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Children of Prince George, Duke of Kent

Prince George was the youngest son of King George V and Queen Mary. He married Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. They had three children:

Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (born 1935). Prince Edward is a familiar face from some royal events but has largely stepped back from public duties. He is a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II. He has children and grandchildren who have pursued various careers, including business and the arts, with varying degrees of public visibility.
Princess Alexandra of Kent (born 1936). Princess Alexandra is a distinguished and beloved member of the Royal Family, undertaking many engagements over the years. She is a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II and has a higher public profile than many other cousins.
Prince Michael of Kent (born 1942). Prince Michael, along with his late wife, Princess Michael of Kent, has often courted controversy and maintained a more independent, less official, role within the extended royal family. He is a first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II and has pursued various business interests. His children have also lived largely private lives, though his son, Lord Frederick Windsor, has had some public presence in broadcasting and finance.

Why Are They "Forgotten"?

The reasons for these cousins being "forgotten" by the average American observer are multifaceted:

Less Public Role: Unlike the direct line of succession (the monarch, their spouse, children, and grandchildren), these cousins do not carry the same weight of constitutional responsibility. Many have chosen, or have been steered towards, lives that are not centered on royal duties.
Geographical Distance: While they are royal, their lives may be spent in different parts of the UK or even abroad, making them less visible to the American public compared to those based in London and frequently appearing in news cycles.
Focus on the Core Family: Media and public attention naturally gravitate towards the senior royals and those in line for the throne. The further down the family tree you go, the less coverage is given unless there's a significant event or scandal.
Modernization and Reduced Staffing: As the monarchy has modernized, there's been a trend for some extended family members to support themselves financially, leading to careers outside the direct royal payroll, further distancing them from the constant public gaze associated with full-time royals.

These individuals, while possessing royal lineage, represent the more private, familial side of the monarchy, a network of relatives whose lives, while touched by royalty, have largely unfolded away from the dazzling spotlight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How are these individuals related to Queen Elizabeth II?

They are related through her paternal grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary. Specifically, they are the children and grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II's father's siblings: Princess Mary, Prince Henry (Duke of Gloucester), and Prince George (Duke of Kent).

Why don't they perform more royal duties?

Many of these cousins are not considered "working royals" in the same way as the monarch, their spouse, and their immediate descendants. They often have careers or personal lives that do not involve official royal engagements, or they perform a more limited number of patronages and appearances.

Are they still considered part of the Royal Family?

Yes, they are considered part of the extended Royal Family. They carry royal titles (like Duke, Earl, Princess, Lord) and are included in the family tree. However, their level of involvement and public visibility varies greatly.

Do they receive public funds?

Generally, those who are not considered "working royals" do not receive direct public funds through the Sovereign Grant in the same way as the senior members of the family. They are typically expected to be financially independent.