Descent of Elizabeth II From William I - Monarchs of Each Generation

Monarchs of Each Generation

This table shows the generation of each monarch based on their descent from William I via the royal line.

The generational jump between Henry VII and Henry VIII is an interesting case shown on this list. Henry VIII is the son of Henry VII (generation 14 through an illegitimate junior line of John of Gaunt) as well as the son of Elizabeth of York (generation 16 through the senior Lionel, Duke of Clarence line). Henry VIII is counted as generation 17 because the royal line passes through his mother, who is of the senior line.

This process will continue in the future. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, if he becomes king, will add lines to Charles II and James II, from whose illegitimate children he is descended through his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

1. William I
2. William II, Henry I, siblings
3. Stephen, Empress Matilda, cousins
4. Henry II
5. Richard I, John, siblings
6. Henry III
7. Edward I
8. Edward II
9. Edward III
10. none (Prince of Wales predeceased his father, but left legitimate issue)
11. Richard II, Henry IV, cousins
12. Henry V
13. Henry VI
14. Henry VII
15. Edward IV, Richard III, siblings
16. Edward V
17. Henry VIII
18. Edward VI, Mary I, Elizabeth I, siblings
19. Lady Jane Grey
20. James I
21. Charles I
22. Charles II, James II, siblings
23. Mary II, William III, Anne, George I, cousins & siblings
24. George II
25. none (Prince of Wales predeceased his father, but left legitimate issue)
26. George III
27. George IV, William IV, siblings
28. Victoria
29. Edward VII
30. George V
31. Edward VIII, George VI, siblings
32. Elizabeth II