ROYALS IN SHOCK! Princess Catherine is descended from two of Birmingham's most prestigious families
Princess Catherine is descended from two of Birmingham's most prestigious families Kate Middleton is "really a Brummie." The startling familial information was made public just hours before Queen and Prince William's visit to Birmingham on April 20. The Chamberlains and the Martineaus, two of Birmingham's most illustrious families, are said to be the Princess of Wales' ancestors. The mother-of-three is linked to Neville Chamberlain, who presided over the country at the start of World War II, and his father, Joseph Chamberlain, a visionary city leader who is also memorialized in the city center. WRITE YOUR OPINION IN THE COMMENTS! Since the 41-year-old's marriage in April 2011, Australian history professor Michael Reed of Melbourne's Hallam College has been researching her ancestry. He will discuss his findings at a symposium commemorating Joseph Chamberlain's passing 100 years ago this summer at Newman University in Birmingham. Kate's great great great great aunt Harriet Martineau, who passed away in 1876 and is regarded as the "greatest American abolitionist," is interred in Key Hill Cemetery in the Jewellery Quarter. The Martineau family's history inspired the name of Lionel Martineau Lupton, Olive Middleton's brother and Kate's great-grandfather. In addition, Kate's first cousin, Birmingham Mayor Sir Thomas Martineau, was a close friend of Queen Victoria. Francis Martineau Lupton, Kate's great, great grandpa, was a politician himself. Neville Chamberlain served as the uncle of Sir Thomas. Hitler learned that Neville's political ancestors were vehemently anti-war when he visited them in 1938, which is why he adopted an appeasement strategy. Lionel Martineau, sadly, was one of many members of Kate's family who perished in the First World War. The Prince of Wales is already connected to Birmingham through his fondness for the Aston Villa football team. This Thursday, April 20, Kate and William will visit the Jewellery Quarter. THANK YOU FOR WATCHING! WRITE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT! SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL!
