Trump jokes about 'living in Buckingham Palace' as study names him King Charles' cousin
WASHINGTON, DC: On the eve of a historic diplomatic summit, President Donald J Trump has electrified the "special relationship" between the United States and the United Kingdom by revealing a shocking genealogical discovery.
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, April 28, the president shared an exclusive report from the Daily Mail detailing a common ancestor between himself and His Majesty King Charles III, effectively declaring the two world leaders to be 15th cousins.
The research, conducted by veteran genealogist Robert Barrett, traced both men back to the 3rd Earl of Lennox, a prominent Scottish nobleman who was a great-grandson of King James II of Scotland.
This shared lineage stemmed from Donald Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who emigrated to the United States from Scotland in 1930.
The president expressed enthusiasm at the news.
"Wow, that’s nice. I’ve always wanted to live in Buckingham Palace!!!" Trump posted, adding that he intended to discuss the matter with the King and Queen during their formal welcome at the White House.
Genealogy links President Trump to the Scottish throne
The technical findings published by the Daily Mail suggest that the president’s pedigree also links him to the royal houses of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, further complicating his ancestral ties to Europe.
The lineage suggests that through the MacLeod and Mackay clans, the president descends from Donald Mackay, 1st Lord Reay, a staunch supporter of the House of Stuart during the English Civil War.
This "discovery" has added a new layer of personal significance to the state visit, as British diplomats move to pivot from traditional diplomatic phrasing to terms like "enduring relationship" to describe the bond between the two nations.
The president has frequently spoken of his mother’s admiration for the British Crown, and this direct lineal connection to the House of Windsor appears to have solidified his "moral credibility" in the eyes of royal traditionalists.
Trump reflects on ties with British royal family
President Donald J Trump reacted with humor to reports of a possible “royal ancestry,” joking about moving into Buckingham Palace during remarks on the development.
The comments came as King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded a scheduled program that included a garden party attended by around 600 British and American guests.
Trump referenced his past interactions with the British royal family, noting his previous meetings with the late Queen Elizabeth II and describing King Charles III as a “great guy” and a “fighter.”
The remarks added a personal note to the ongoing state visit, which is otherwise focused on discussions related to trade and security.
Officials have indicated that bilateral engagements during the visit will continue to center on economic and strategic coordination.
The president is expected to host an additional event during the visit, though details have not been formally released.
