We are all descended from someone, right back to the apes
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Indeed, but in most cases all we inherit from them is our genes, not our jobs or ranks or titles. The thing about the British monarchy is that it's been in the same family (well, more or less), and for much of the time in the direct line, for twelve hundred years or so. In my view, that's a really powerful symbol of continuity. And the fact that it's fully documented makes it even more so.