The Astrological Signs of British Royal Family Members

From introverted Virgos to Leos destined to rule, members of the British royal family are known to have sought out the advice of astrologers throughout history to consult their birth charts and interpret the heavens.

Whether you're a believer in the the zodiac or not, the interpretations of birth signs and pre-destined fortunes can make for interesting reading—particularly for those in the public eye.

The practice of astrology and charting of horoscopes has existed for millennia with many finding the practice noteworthy and of interest. However, Newsweek does not equate the practice of astrology with hard science.

Astrologers have based the 12 signs of the zodiac on star constellations in the observed universe, with many believing these separate signs signify differing characteristics and those born under them take these on to varying degrees. The 12 star signs share their names with the zodiac signs but are characteristically different depending on the movements of the sun.

Here, Newsweek breaks down the royals and their star signs, from Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, to Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.

The Royals and Their Star Signs

What astrological sign was Queen Elizabeth II?

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926 under the sign of Taurus. Taureans are earth signs, relaxed on the surface belying a stoic strength beneath.

Those born under this sign are "cautious, though discreet and very stubborn about sticking to their habits and beliefs," astrologer Shelley von Strunckel told Newsweek. "Challenge them with care," adding that they are also "charming but secretive."

In the case of Queen Elizabeth II, her Taurus star sign made her a perfect match for her future husband Prince Philip, as they are "fascinated by Gemini."

The monarch also shares her birth sign with great-grandson Prince Louis of Wales (born April 23, 2018). Kate Middleton faced her youngest son's, "stubborn" side during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, where she was seen to make repeated patient attempts at controlling his cheeky behavior during the jubilee pageant.

What astrological sign is King Charles III?

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

The new King Charles was born under the water sign of Scorpio on November 14, 1948, well known for their passion and power.

Those born under this sign can be described as "intensely private," says von Strunckel, and "if thrust into media or public view, are still cautious about what they reveal."

Scorpios also "often have a mission or passion about which they're given a hard time."

Though Charles may not be best described as "intensely private," having over the years contributed to bombshell biographies, disastrous TV interviews and documentaries, he has been reserved in the revelations he makes. These include the admission that he had been unfaithful to Princess Diana during their marriage, information he told broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby in a 1994 interview.

The king too was often criticised for his "missions" or "passions" in his environmental work. His early attempts at raising awareness of climate change and the benefits of organic farming were maligned early on but have now earned him the reputation as a forward thinker, "ahead of his time."

Von Strunckel adds that Scorpios are "often regarded as sex symbols," something hard to equate Charles with today, but was a label often attributed to the royal in his younger days as a playboy-prince.

What astrological sign is Prince William?

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Prince William was born under the sign of Cancer on June 21, 1982. The royal family has had a number of notable members born under the Cancer star sign going back centuries. Those born under this water sign are known for their intensity and depth.

The sign "runs through the family, all the way back to Henry VIII, and, ahem, the former King Edward VIII, later Duke of Windsor," von Strunckel told Newsweek.

They are "loyal yet sensitive," and "cautious if not stubborn."

This caution is a trait Prince William is well known for, not only in approaching his own role within the workings of the British monarchy, but also in his personal life. "Note it took ages for William to actually marry Kate," von Strunckel highlights.

The prince shares the sign with both his mother Princess Diana (born July 1, 1961) and his step-mother Queen Camilla (born July 17, 1947).

The loyalty and sensitivity were traits perhaps most closely associated with the late Princess Diana during her lifetime. The princess was praised for becoming the more personable and caring face of the royal family.

What astrological sign is Kate Middleton?

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Kate Middleton was born under the sign of Capricorn on January 9, 1982. Those born under this sign are well known for their ambition, focus and ability to bring calm and control to difficult situations.

Capricorns are often noted for being responsible and level-headed, however they can also tend to be unforgiving when given just cause.

Kate has earned herself a reputation for being the "peacemaker" of the royal family, helping to bridge the gap between her husband Prince William and his father Charles, and for her attempt to reconcile William with brother Harry during the funeral of Prince Philip in 2021.

The future queen will one day take on the responsibility as matriarch of the royal family, a role which was fulfilled by Queen Elizabeth II during her 70-year-long reign.

What astrological sign is Meghan Markle?

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981 making her a Leo. This fire sign is the ruler of the zodiac, referred to by many astrologers, including von Strunckel, as "the royal sign."

Those born under this sign are known for their charisma and bold, unapologetic nature.

"Theoretically," says von Strunckel, those born under this sign are "ideal for the job [of monarch], but usually wait in the wings."

The duchess shares the sign with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (born August 4, 1900), consort of King George VI and mother of Queen Elizabeth II. She is known to have been a quiet power behind her husband's throne. Her delicate "fairy queen" appearance hid a determined formidability, leading photographer Cecil Beaton to refer to her as: "a marshmallow made on a welding machine."

Meghan often has a similar power attributed to her, acting as a tower of strength from which her husband, Prince Harry, draws part of his own.

What astrological sign is Prince Harry?

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Prince Harry was born on September 15, 1984, making him a Virgo. Virgos are earth signs known for their big picture thinking, desirous of control and order, ever ready to make a plan.

Harry finds himself a sole senior royal born under the sign which, von Strunckel points out, leaves him with "nobody to compare to."

He is a royal who "created his own life and identity in the army," she continued, while finding a well-matched partner in Leo Meghan as: "Two timely 'counterpoints.'"

What astrological sign was Prince Philip?

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Prince Philip was born under the sign of Gemini on June 10, 1921. Geminis are known as natural born leaders, ready to take charge of often difficult situations but to guide rather than dominate.

Though Philip is the most prominent royal Gemini in recent decades, there are two others who share his sign. Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor (born June 19, 1896) who won the heart of King Edward VIII leading him to abdicate the throne which set in motion events leading to Elizabeth II becoming queen, and also Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor (born June 4, 2021), the daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

In the case of Philip he was destined to make the "perfect consort for the dedicated queen" according to von Strunckel.

"They had blissful years before she became [monarch], he remained naughty good fun, linking to her quick wit, had ecological passions, did sports; they both adored horses & racing."

What astrological sign is Prince Andrew?

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Prince Andrew, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II was born on February 19, 1960, making him a Pisces. Those born under the water sign of Pisces are known for their depth and intense sensitivity.

"The creative fields are peppered with these idealists," says von Strunckel, "they don't 'understand' so often ignore rules."

In the case of Andrew, his ignoring of the rules, and unwillingness to take advice have left him in a series of troubles over recent years, including the fallout over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

These scandals have earned Andrew the unenvied title of most unpopular royal with just an eight percent approval rating in the U.K.

Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.