Exploring Prince William’s Surprising American Ancestry
A new book investigating Prince William’s heritage reveals that he is linked to American patriots who once rebelled against the monarchy he is set to inherit. The book, titled “American Crown”, authored by Stephanie Green, delves into the Prince of Wales’s remarkable American lineage, tracing it back to Revolutionary War figures like Nathan Hale and other early colonial ancestors.
“The more I learned about the family, the more intriguing it became,” Green shared. “Each character in this family tree tells a compelling story. It’s a true American success narrative. I’m not even sure if he knows about his American roots.”
The Connection to Revolutionary Heroes
Green has noted that Prince William can trace his ancestry back to Benajah Strong, a pivotal figure in American history, through his mother, Princess Diana. “Strong’s family has been in America for a very long time, originally settling back in the 1600s,” she stated. “Benaja lived in Coventry, Connecticut, a key area during the early days of the American Revolution, known for its strong anti-monarchist sentiment. He played a role in relaying information regarding British activities.” Interestingly, his gravesite remains in Coventry.
The Strong family first arrived in New England from England in 1635. William’s sixth great-grandfather, born in Coventry in 1740, notably served as a private in the Connecticut militia.
Green emphasized that Hale, who was Benaja’s nephew, is remembered as one of the most celebrated American martyrs. “He was captured and executed by the British shortly after the Revolutionary War began,” she added. While his remains have never been recovered, a monument stands in his honor in Coventry.
The Intriguing Ties to George Washington
In her research, Green stumbled upon an unexpected connection between William’s lineage and George Washington. She explained, “People often know about the Spencer family, given its historical prominence in Britain. Princess Diana was originally Lady Diana Spencer, but few realize that the Spencer family has ties to George Washington’s ancestry.” Green is dedicating an entire chapter to this relationship in her book, highlighting how the Spencer daughters even worked for Washington’s family, underlining the close interactions between these two notable lineages.
“Much like other families, the Washingtons emigrated to the Americas, but Sulgrave House, their ancestral home, remains open to visitors today, offering insights into this rich history,” she continued.
Fanny Wark: A Life of Independence
One ancestor that caught Green’s attention was Fanny Wark, Prince William’s great-grandmother, who lived a life marked by independence. “Fanny was an American heiress from around 1857, well-acquainted with notable figures of her time. She famously lived life on her terms, enduring two divorces in an era when such actions were considered scandalous,” Green reflected. This story drew parallels to Princess Diana’s life, as both women shared a common tendency to challenge societal expectations.
Green remarked, “Both were captivating personalities, known for their beauty and charm, yet they were incredibly strong and rebellious at heart.”
Reflections on Princess Diana’s Legacy
Interestingly, Green believes that had Princess Diana lived longer, she would have likely embraced a new life in America. “She spent considerable time in the U.S. during her final years and had plans to settle here,” she noted. Diana was even considering a home in California, which adds another layer of irony to her story given her ancestral ties.
As for what William’s ancestors might think about him ascending to the throne, Green speculated, “Some would likely feel proud to see one of their own don the royal crown. They’d admire his character as a devoted family man and appreciate his various qualities, some of which reflect American traits.” They might indeed find it amusing that their descendant is part of a monarchy they once resisted, yet find pride in the moral integrity tied to his lineage.
