Is Kit Harington a Royalty?

Many fans of the TV series Game of Thrones know Kit Harington for his role as Jon Snow. However, in terms of royal lineage, his connection to British nobility is more intriguing. While Harington is not a direct member of the royal family, his distant royal lineage adds a unique layer to his family's history.

Origins and Background

Kit Harington, born on December 26, 1986, in Acton, London, comes from a family with a rich ancestry. His mother, Deborah Jane Catesby, is a former playwright, and his father, Sir David Harington, 15th Baronet, is a businessman. The family's full name for Harington is Christopher Catesby Harington, a name chosen by his mother after the renowned playwright Christopher Marlowe, whose name Harington maintains.

Harington was not aware of his full name until he was eleven years old, which reflects the Harington family's respect for tradition and heritage.

The Royal Connection

Kit Harington's royal connection traces back to his patrilineal great-grandfather, Sir Richard Harington, 12th Baronet. The Haringtons have a long and storied history, dating back to the time when their name was Haverington, a name derived from their estate in Cumberland. The first person to bear the name was Robert De Haverington, whose manor was Flemingby and whose parents were Osulphus or Oswulf.

Through his paternal grandmother, Lavender Cecilia Denny, Kit Harington is a distant descendant of King Charles II, a son of Charles I. The complex royal lineage of the Haringtons can be traced through multiple generations, and Harington's family is listed in the Baronetage of England.

Royal Titles and Lineage

For Kit Harington to be in line for the British throne, he would need to be part of Sophia I's line. As descendants of King Charles II, Harington is connected but far removed from the crown. Despite this, the family is recognized as a member of the English nobility through the Baronetage of England, which was established in 1611.

This means that while Harington is not the heir apparent to the baronetcy, his family retains a significant place in British nobility. The present holder's elder son, John, is the heir apparent to the baronetcy, which highlights the heirarchy within the family.

Conclusion

Although Kit Harington is not a direct member of the British royal family, his distant royal lineage adds a unique and interesting aspect to his family's history. This connection is often highlighted in the media and pop culture, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his public persona, especially given his role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones.

So, while Kit Harington is not a royalty in the traditional sense, his family's historical ties to nobility and royalty make him a part of a rich and fascinating lineage.