Benedict Cumberbatch, the acclaimed actor, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the celebrated author, are distant cousins, sharing a common royal ancestor.
A Shared Royal Ancestor: John of Gaunt
The genealogical connection between Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stems from their descent from a significant historical figure: John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. John of Gaunt (1340–1399) was a prominent medieval English prince, notable as the third surviving son of King Edward III of England.
Their specific familial link is that they are 16th cousins, twice removed. This indicates a shared ancestor several generations back, with a slight generational difference in their respective lineages.
The precise breakdown of their descent from John of Gaunt is as follows:
- Benedict Cumberbatch is a 17th great-grandson of John of Gaunt.
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a 15th great-grandson of John of Gaunt.
The "twice removed" aspect of their cousin relationship signifies this two-generation difference in their descent from their mutual ancestor.
Understanding Their Genealogical Connection
To further illustrate their respective positions in the family tree stemming from John of Gaunt:
Individual | Relationship to John of Gaunt |
---|---|
Benedict Cumberbatch | 17th great-grandson |
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | 15th great-grandson |
This distant yet direct bloodline through a common ancestor from the 14th century highlights the intricate and far-reaching nature of family trees, linking individuals across centuries and diverse fields.