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Is Red Hair Royal?

Published in Royal History 1 min read

Yes, red hair has a history of appearing in royal families.

While not all royals are redheads, the gene for red hair (MC1R) has been traced through various European royal lines, most notably the Tudors and Stuarts. Here's a closer look:

  • Tudor Dynasty: Queen Elizabeth I, a prominent figure in English history, was known for her red hair. This cemented a connection between red hair and royalty in the public imagination.

  • Stuart Dynasty: The red hair gene can also be traced through the Stuart dynasty, further linking the trait to royal lineage.

  • Recent Royal History: The Spencer family, from which Princess Diana hailed, also carries the red hair gene, suggesting its continued presence in modern royal connections.

It's important to note that possessing the red hair gene doesn't guarantee red hair; it depends on whether a person inherits two copies of the recessive MC1R gene. However, the presence of this gene within royal families illustrates a historical link between red hair and royalty.

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