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MA Genealogists: Kate Middleton Has Ties To George Washington

BOSTON (AP) -- The fiancé of Britain's Prince William has some family ties to famous Americans, including the first U.S. president.

The New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston said Tuesday that Kate Middleton is an eighth cousin eight times removed, to George Washington. Their common ancestor, Sir William Gascoigne, died in 1487.

William's late mother, Princess Diana, and great-grandmother, Queen Mother Elizabeth, also were cousins of Washington.

Middleton's other American cousins include explorer Meriwether Lewis, who teamed with William Clark for their renowned 19th century Western expedition. He's a 9th cousin seven times removed.

The society also says Middleton is a 13th cousin three times removed, of the World War II general George S. Patton.

Prince William and Middleton themselves are 15th cousins, through Sir Thomas Fairfax, who died during the reign of Henry VIII.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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