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

Read more about this topic:  Descent Of Elizabeth II From William I

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