The British royal family belongs to the House of Windsor, which has reigned over the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms since 1917. Since then, there have been questions around what type of blood the royals have and whether they have any special or unique qualities to their bloodline.
What blood type do the royals have?
The royal family has not publicly confirmed their specific blood types. However, based on available information, most historians and experts believe the following about the blood types of recent monarchs and their close relatives:
- Queen Elizabeth II – Type O
- Prince Philip – Type O
- Prince Charles – Likely Type O
- Princess Diana – Type O
- Prince William – Likely Type O
- Prince Harry – Likely Type O
- Kate Middleton – Type O
Type O blood is the most common type, found in about 35% of the population. It is compatible with receiving blood from any type. This may partly explain why it is prevalent among the royals – greater compatibility increases the chances of survival and health.
Is there anything special about the royal bloodline?
There are a few legends and myths around the supposedly unique nature of royal blood, though there is no scientific evidence to support most claims:
- “Blue blood” – Originates from the Spanish phrase “sangre azul”, used for noble families. It does not mean the blood is literally blue.
- “Royal disease” – Refers to hemophilia, once common in European royalty due to inbreeding.
- “Divine right” – Claims royalty was chosen by God, but has no genetic basis.
- “Reptilian elite” – Conspiracy theory that royals are reptilian humanoids. Complete fiction.
Genetically, the royal family’s bloodline is likely unremarkable. Centuries of strategic marriages to other European nobility has led to some inbreeding, most notably Queen Victoria being a carrier for hemophilia. But over time, their gene pool has diversified along with the general population’s.
How does royal blood differ from others?
Aside from the improbable legends, royal blood is biologically similar to any other human blood. The main differences are social perceptions and access to healthcare:
- Perceived value – Royal blood is seen as precious due to its scarcity and status.
- Healthcare – Royals have access to excellent doctors and treatment.
- Public interest -Royals’ health is closely monitored by the public.
- Diet and lifestyle – Wealth and status comes with health advantages.
- Inbreeding – Some royals have rare genetics from inbreeding.
But fundamentally, the blood itself contains the same red and white blood cells, platelets, plasma, and nutrients as any other blood. Its special status is based on social constructs, not biological facts.
Does royal blood have magical powers?
No, royal blood does not contain any magical powers or properties. A few discredited myths propose supernatural elements to royal blood:
- “King’s touch” – Supposedly cured scrofula and other ailments. No curative effect documented.
- “Holy grails” – Folklore of grails and chalices with healing powers. Fictitious artifacts.
- “Divine right” – Proposes God-given power to rule. Spiritual claim, not biological.
- “Alchemy” – Alchemists sought to transmute elements using royal blood. Practice was mystical, not scientific.
These myths all stem from antiquated views granting monarchs supernatural authority. In reality, royal blood is simply human blood. It carries out the normal functions of blood, nothing more.
Conclusion on royal blood
Despite intense public curiosity and mythical folklore over centuries, royal blood is biologically unremarkable. It is neither blue, holy, nor imbued with supernatural properties. The royal family’s bloodline contains mostly Type O blood and is genetically similar to other Europeans. While their healthcare and status grant some advantages, their blood itself is functionally identical to any other person’s. In short, royal blood is human blood.
What are some other royal family health myths?
In addition to blood-related myths, other legends surround the health of royal family members. Most are exaggerated or fabricated:
- “Madness” – Exaggerated mental illness claims due to power struggles.
- “Immortality” – Various myths seek royals as eternal beings. Biologically impossible.
- “Werewolves” – Legends of royals morphing into beasts. Pure mythology.
- “Bearing the royal mark” – Claims royals have divine birthmarks. A fabricated notion.
- “Chosen by God” – Proposes royalty was selected divinely. No scientific basis.
These myths often served political aims, claiming health conditions indicated rulers were unfit to hold power. But modern medicine and genetics show royal family members have normal human health and lifespans.
How has royal inbreeding impacted the bloodline?
Inbreeding was common historically in European royal houses due to limited marriage options amongst nobility. This resulted in some royals inheriting rare genetics:
| Royal | Condition | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Victoria | Hemophilia B | Passed hemophilia to descendants |
| King Henry VIII | McLeod syndrome | May have caused paranoia and health issues |
| King Charles II of Spain | Extreme inbreeding | Infertility, intellectual disability |
However, since the early 1900s, the royal family has avoided close inbreeding. Modern medicine also allows managing conditions. So recent generations show normal genetic health and diversity.
Has the royal bloodline improved over time?
The royal bloodline has likely improved over time as inbreeding declined and health awareness increased:
- Greater genetic diversity – Marrying outside nobility expanded gene pool.
- Reduced inbreeding – Discouraged incestuous unions over time.
- Advanced healthcare – Access to modern doctors, tests, treatments.
- Health education – Better understanding of medicine and genetics.
- Public scrutiny – Constant monitoring and pressure for healthy image.
Consequently, the royal bloodline today is likely more robust than in the past. They enjoy greater access to quality healthcare and genetic screening. The royal family’s blood remains fully human, but with reduced risk factors.
Could advances like gene editing impact royal blood?
Emerging biotechnologies could theoretically impact royal blood, with profound ethical implications:
- Gene editing – Tools like CRISPR allow editing DNA to treat or enhance traits.
- Cloning – Royal genes could theoretically be cloned, violating individual rights.
- Eugenics – Royals could feel pressure to selectively breed “superior” genes.
- Transhumanism – Technology could alter human nature and what being “royal” means.
However, such technologies remain speculative and raise complex issues of consent, identity, and harm. Their use would likely violate existing rules and norms around inheritance, succession, and human dignity.
Conclusion
The royal bloodline has a mystique and allure that often outstrips reality. While inbreeding and privilege have shaped their genetics, royal blood remains entirely human. Looking ahead, technology may offer new powers over life, but staying grounded in ethics and human rights should guide any future decisions. Overall, royal or not, human blood and dignity is something to be honored, not altered on a whim.