If you’ve ever tried to follow the royal families of Europe, you’ve probably discovered something quickly: it’s a maze. A fascinating, centuries-old maze filled with powerful dynasties, intertwined bloodlines, and traditions that have shaped global history. Today, Europe still hosts a surprising number of monarchies—some constitutional, some ceremonial, and all steeped in legacy. But understanding who’s who, who’s related to whom, and how the royal houses connect isn’t always straightforward.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the European royal family tree in a way that’s simple, engaging, and crystal clear. We’ll explore the major reigning dynasties, how they’re connected, and what their family structures look like today. Whether you’re a history lover, a royal-watcher, or just curious, this is your go-to map through Europe’s modern monarchy landscape.
The Big Picture: Understanding Europe’s Royal Network
Before diving into individual families, it helps to know this: most of Europe’s royal families are connected through marriages that span centuries. They share ancestors, alliances, and occasionally rivalries. A large portion of the current royals descend in one way or another from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and King Christian IX of Denmark, often called “the grandmother” and “the father-in-law” of Europe.
These two monarchs strategically married their children into the courts of Russia, Greece, Norway, Germany, and beyond—creating connections that survive in many current royal lineages.
Today, Europe has 12 reigning monarchies, and almost all their rulers trace back to the same historic roots.
European Royal Family Tree Breakdown by Country
Below is a clear and detailed explanation of each reigning royal family and how they fit into the broader European royal tree.
1. United Kingdom – The House of Windsor
The British royal family is perhaps the most globally recognized. The Windsors rule the UK and other Commonwealth realms.
Key Figures:
- King Charles III – current monarch
- Prince William, Prince of Wales – heir apparent
- Prince George – second in line
The Windsors descend from Queen Victoria and are closely related to the royal families of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Spain through a web of marriages.
2. Denmark – The House of Glücksburg
One of the oldest European dynasties, the Danish royal family is central to many royal connections.
Key Figures:
- King Frederik X – reigning monarch
- Crown Prince Christian – heir apparent
The House of Glücksburg is directly connected to the Norwegian, Greek, and British royal families. Christian IX’s descendants married into almost every European throne.
3. Norway – The House of Glücksburg (Norwegian Branch)
Norway’s monarchy is a branch of the Danish royal house.
Key Figures:
- King Harald V
- Crown Prince Haakon
Harald V is closely related to the British monarchy through his father’s family and to the Danish monarchy through his mother.
4. Spain – The House of Bourbon
Spain’s ruling family descends from the famous Bourbon dynasty, which once ruled France, Italy, and Spain.
Key Figures:
- King Felipe VI
- Crown Princess Leonor – future Queen of Spain
Felipe VI’s family tree connects to both the British and Greek royal families. His mother, Queen Sofía, was born a Greek princess.
5. Belgium – The House of Belgium (Saxe-Coburg and Gotha Origins)
Belgium’s monarchy began with a branch of the German Saxe-Coburg family.
Key Figures:
- King Philippe
- Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant
Their lineage ties into many German and British dynasties.
6. Netherlands – The House of Orange-Nassau
One of the most iconic names in European royal history, the House of Orange is known for leadership, diplomacy, and modern governance.
Key Figures:
- King Willem-Alexander
- Princess Catharina-Amalia – heir apparent
The Dutch royals maintain strong family connections with the Swedish, Danish, and Luxembourg monarchies.
7. Luxembourg – The House of Nassau-Weilburg
A small country with a powerful royal legacy.
Key Figures:
- Grand Duke Henri
- Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume
Their lineage links to the Dutch royals via historic shared roots.
8. Sweden – The House of Bernadotte
Sweden has one of the most modern and accessible monarchies.
Key Figures:
- King Carl XVI Gustaf
- Crown Princess Victoria
Their family tree connects to Denmark and Norway through long-standing Scandinavian alliances.
9. Monaco – The House of Grimaldi
One of Europe’s most glamorous royal houses.
Key Figures:
- Prince Albert II
- Prince Jacques – heir
This family tree is distinct in Europe, with roots dating back to the 1200s.
10. Liechtenstein – The House of Liechtenstein
A wealthy and private royal family with deep noble heritage.
Key Figures:
- Prince Hans-Adam II
- Prince Alois
Their family tree is one of the few not heavily intermarried with British or Scandinavian royalty.
11. Andorra – Co-Princeship System
Andorra is unique: it has two co-princes—one secular, one religious.
- President of France (currently the co-prince)
- Bishop of Urgell
This is the only European monarchy without a royal family in the traditional sense.
12. Vatican City – The Papal Monarchy
The Pope is considered a monarch, but there is no hereditary royal family tree.
How the European Royal Trees Connect
Most modern European royals share ancestors because:
✔ Royal marriages historically formed alliances
✔ Many dynasties ruled multiple countries
✔ A handful of families dominated European history
Here are key shared lineages:
Queen Victoria (United Kingdom)
Her descendants sit—or used to sit—on the thrones of:
- UK
- Germany
- Russia
- Norway
- Sweden
- Spain
King Christian IX (Denmark)
His descendants rule:
- Denmark
- Norway
- Greece (until 1973)
- UK (through marriage)
- Spain (through Queen Sofía)
These two monarchs alone link almost every reigning royal family.
Why Europe’s Royal Family Tree Still Matters Today
Even though most monarchies are constitutional and symbolic now, their family trees still matter because they shape:
⭐ National identity
⭐ Historic continuity
⭐ Diplomacy between countries
⭐ Tourism and cultural branding
⭐ Public interest and media attention
Monarchies may be less politically powerful, but they remain culturally influential.
Conclusion
Europe’s royal family tree is a rich, interconnected network that spans borders, centuries, and dynasties. From the Windsors to the Bourbons to the Bernadottes, each royal house contributes to a living tapestry of tradition, leadership, and cultural heritage.
Understanding their connections doesn’t just reveal who’s related to whom—it gives you a window into European history itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which European royal families are related to each other?
Almost all of them. Through Queen Victoria and King Christian IX, many of Europe’s current royals share ancestry. This includes the royal families of the UK, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, and the Netherlands.
2. How many monarchies remain in Europe today?
Europe currently has 12 monarchies, including kingdoms (like Spain and Sweden), principalities (Monaco, Liechtenstein), grand duchies (Luxembourg), and unique systems like Andorra’s co-princeship.