Kit Harington, Rose Leslie Engagement: 'Game of Thrones' Marrying Stars Are Distant Cousins

By Rachel Cruz, Christian Post Contributor Wednesday, October 04, 2017

Following the engagement announcement of Kit Harington and Rose Leslie, eagle-eyed fans noticed something peculiar about the marrying couple. Apparently, the "Game of Thrones" stars are distant cousins as they are both descendants of Charles II of England.

Harington's great grandfather eight times removed on his father's side was Charles II of England. Leslie's mother, on the other hand, belongs to the Clan of Fraser, a descendant of the same former king of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Leslie also grew up in Lickleyhead Castle in Aberdeenshire in the Scottish countryside and her parents still live there to this day. The Leslies rent out part of the castle for weddings, birthdays or family reunions amid its medieval architecture.

The uncanny relations and connections to royalty aside, however, do not change the fact that the two stars are in love. Harington and Leslie met on the set of "Game of Thrones" and he opened up to Vogue Italy that he fell for his on-screen partner while filming season 2. He has fond memories of filming their scenes together under the Northern Lights.

"If you're already attracted to someone, and then they play your love interest in the show, it becomes very easy to fall in love," Harington said. Harington and Leslie went the traditional route in announcing their engagement. The couple published their betrothal in the newspapers. For the most part, they kept their five-year relationship a private affair.

Harington revealed early this year that he and Leslie agreed to live together in London. Sources close to the actor knew an engagement would follow soon enough.

"Kit's known for ages he's wanted to marry Rose but he wanted them to get a house and settle down a bit first," the source revealed. "After moving in together in January he felt it was the right time to take the next step."

Harington and Leslie have not divulged the details to when and where the wedding will take place.