Is Queen Elizabeth II of the UK a Descendant of Brian Boru of Ireland?

Queen Elizabeth II is not directly descended from Brian Boru, the famous High King of Ireland who reigned in the early 11th century. However, there are historical claims and genealogical theories that suggest distant connections between various European royal families, including the British monarchy, and ancient Irish rulers like Brian Boru. This article explores the historical context and the theoretical connections, providing an in-depth look at the potential links between Queen Elizabeth II and Brian Boru.

Historical Context and Brian Boru’s Legacy

Brian Boru, also known as Brian MacCool, was the High King of Ireland from 1002 to 1014. He is one of the most significant figures in medieval Irish history, famed for his comprehensive rule over most of Ireland and for leading the Irish forces to victory over the Vikings in the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. This victory marked the beginning of the end of Viking dominance in Ireland and reinforced Brian Boru's position as the High King, a title he held until his death in the battle.

Theoretical Connections and Genealogical Claims

While Queen Elizabeth II does not have a documented direct descent from Brian Boru, there are some historical claims and genealogical theories suggesting her family might have some distant ancestral connections through shared European nobility. Brian Boru's lineage is primarily traced through Irish history, while the British royal family has its own distinct ancestry, which includes Norse Anglo-Saxon and Norman influences. These connections are speculative and often based on distant ancestral links rather than direct descent.

Descendants of Brian Boru and Dermot MacMurrough

According to some historical records, Brian Boru's grand-daughter married Diarmait Mac Mael King of Leinster. Their great-grandson was Dermot MacMurrough, the King of Leinster, the father of Aoife. This means that Brian Boru is an ancestor of Dermot MacMurrough, Aoife MacMurrough, and all of her descendants, including Strongbow. The descendants of Aoife and Strongbow include most English royalty and nobility since around 1400. Every monarch from Henry IV in 1399 to the present day can be traced back to Aoife and Strongbow, and consequently, Brian Boru.

Queen Elizabeth II's Ancestry and Irish Connections

Queen Elizabeth II, through her mother, had a noteworthy connection to Brian Boru. Her mother, Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, was a descendant of the Irish-born Duke of Wellington. This connection suggests a potential link to the family of Dermot MacMurrough and Aoife, further illustrating the theoretical aspects of the historical claims.

The Royal House of Stewart, to which Queen Elizabeth II is linked on both sides of her family, also has its roots in Ireland. This makes the theoretical connection between Queen Elizabeth II and Brian Boru even more intriguing.

Conclusion

While there are historical claims and genealogical theories suggesting a distant ancestral connection between Queen Elizabeth II and Brian Boru, direct documentation of such a link is limited. The potential connections can be traced through ancient Irish rulers and their descendants, who eventually became important figures in English, Welsh, and Irish history.

In summary, although there are no direct documented connections, Queen Elizabeth II does have a theoretical connection to the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, through the shared lineage of European nobility.