A DNA test revealed my royal roots so I’m flying from Canada to the UK for the coronation

Born and raised in Victoria, in the south-east of Canada, I might not seem like an obvious choice for someone who will be travelling all the way to the UK for King Charles’ coronation.

But thanks to a recent discovery of a very personal connection to the monarch, I am looking forward to taking part in the celebrations as much as anyone.

As someone with a grandfather who had British roots, my interest in family history was piqued from an early age. 

Growing up, that wasn’t particularly easy to do, given that we had to rely on memories, family stories, and old photographs.  

But in 2010 when I was in my 30s, I inherited some research from a cousin in Ontario and finally decided to fully embark on this journey to find out as much as I could about my background and history. Ancestry provided the perfect platform for me to do so.  

I was pleased to be able to find out more about my ancestors using records like historical birth certificates and census results. 

I found that my relatives, the Lewis family, originated in the UK but over generations, moved to Wales and then County Carlow, in Ireland. 

From there, my family emigrated to Ontario, Canada where land was abundantly available at the time.  

However, one thing I never expected to find, is that I had royal connections.   

One day, I decided to do some digging into my paternal grandfather’s side, and I suddenly saw a familiar name pop-up – Edward Seymour, the first Duke of Somerset – who turns out to be my 14^th great-grandfather. 

Edward was the eldest surviving brother of Jane Seymour, one of the wives of Henry VIII and the mother of the future King Edward VI, and it was astounding to be given a direct connection to the Tudor era, an area of history I’ve always been fascinated and have read books about. 

Making this discovery was simply amazing. At first, I could hardly believe it. Edward Seymour would be my grandfather’s 12th great-grandfather, and my own 14th great-grandfather. 

Having this connection to a period of significant history in Britain is fantastic and gives me a link to Henry VIII, whose son would be my cousin many times removed. 

My own grandfather sadly passed before I could share this information with him but I know he would have been as blown away as I am. 

When I relayed the news to my family, it was initially a lot for them to take in. However, once I talked them through all the connections that put our relationship to royalty beyond dispute, it helped them piece it all together.  

I have always been interested in the British monarchy. I remember watching the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana as a very young child and I was enthralled by the pageantry. 

This discovery made me even more interested and I have since looked into the Seymour family, learning about their continued impact on British society and the military for many generations. 

I also found out more about their ancestral home, Berry Pomeroy Castle, which is now considered haunted – I would love to visit!    

I was stunned by my discovery, but it wasn’t the end of my journey into my past.  

I also found out my family’s history with other iconic figures such as my great-uncle Stanley Greaves who fought and died at Vimy Ridge during the First World War, and Elizabeth Killegrew, a Cornish socialite who was reported to have been fully immersed in her family business – piracy! 

Finding out these connections has made me feel like my family is truly in the history books, and I’ll certainly carry our story forward for future generations and beyond.   

Canada has strong ties to the UK as a commonwealth nation, my home is even named after Queen Victoria and the royal family have been to our city many times over the years.

However, there is nowhere else in the world where a monarchy plays such an active role or has such an impact on popular culture as the Royal Family do in the UK.  

So armed with the knowledge of my connection, I am proud to visit Britain to celebrate the coronation of the King. I have been to the UK before and have enjoyed visiting London, Cambridge and meeting my family in Hertfordshire. 

However, to be here for such a special moment in history will be unforgettable. 

I appreciate history, and so will be excited to be witnessing thousands of years of tradition unfold before my eyes.   

The late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation took place 70 years ago and was before my time, so I can’t wait to be a part of the proceedings for King Charles III and soak up the atmosphere.   

I am looking forward to taking part in local celebrations with my family in the UK,  where I will be attending a British street party and experiencing the festivities by watching the coronation on a big screen.

The area will be decked out for the occasion with Union Jacks and bunting, while we’ll enjoy British staples, such as sandwiches, Victoria Sponge cake and a classic Gin and Tonic.  

I’ll also be heading to Westminster Abbey when it re-opens after the service to see first-hand where the ceremony took place, which for me will be a moving reminder of my ancestors and the link they would have not only to the beautiful landmark, but to the royals who have celebrated occasions like the coronation.  

Being able to celebrate alongside the British people, and those Royal fans who are coming from all corners of the world to be part of the festivities, will truly be a once in a lifetime experience, and will only make me appreciate my heritage more.  

I’ll be capturing photos, taking notes, and creating memories that I will make sure are committed to the Ancestry database, so that the generations after me will also share the privilege I have of understanding and knowing their roots, both royal and otherwise.

Looking back on all the research I have done, I am so pleased to have been able to uncover so much about my family history and ultimately, a connection to the British Royal Family. 

Even more so, I am excited to continue sharing my discoveries with future generations, ensuring these connections are never lost.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

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