Do you know that in some communities, cousin marriages are still common nowadays? There are more than 10 % of marriages around the world involving first and second cousins.
In some cultures, cousin marriages are encouraged and expected, but others consider them taboo. In anthropology and the theory of alliances, this is a fascinating topic.
In some jurisdictions, cousin marriage is lawfully forbidden, such as first-cousin marriage in both Chinas, Koreas, and the Philippines, for Hindus in certain regions of India, some countries in the Balkans, and 30 out of the 50 United States. In the United States, it is regarded as an offence in eight states and they are the only jurisdictions around the world to have this kind of legislation.
The legislation in many jurisdictions outlines the specific degree of kinship that is outlawed in intimate relations and marriage.
The embargo may be perceived as prejudiced by those in favour of a cousin’s marriage where it is prohibited, while those opposed to it may make moral or other arguments against it.
Now let’s take a look at 5 famous people who married their cousins.
List of 5 Famous People Who Married Their Cousins
Albert Einstein
Einstein once said that, in his personal life, marrying his cousin allowed him to keep his family close and maintain a sense of unity and tradition.
They were able to create happiness and companionship in each other’s company, despite the controversial nature of their relationship
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II married Prince Philip,her second cousin in 1947.
When her husband died in the year 2021, their marriage had lasted for 70 years. There is no evidence to support these hear-says, despite the rumours of Philip’s affairs, and it has been widely assumed that the Queen loved him deeply in their marriage.
Saddam Hussein
One-time president of Iraq, the late Saddam Hussein married his blood cousin by the name Sajida Talfah in 1963 although he had several wives.
Their marriage was already planned when the two were still kids.
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin who was a biologist, English naturalist, and geologist is also on our list of famous people who married their cousins.
Later on Charles Darwin and Emma Wedgwood, his first cousin had 10 children whereby 3 of them died mysteriously.
Edgar Allan Poe
Celebrated poet and writer of mystery and macabre married his cousin Virginia Eliza when she was just 13 years old when he was 27 years old.
As offensive as the marriage may be to modern mores, it appears to have been inspired by Poe’s discernible fascination to espouse the little family he had
