Funny story, I actually AM descended from a royal family. The O'Neills of Ireland. Here's the short version of how my ancestors became royalty. Way back in the 10th century in Ireland, there was a dispute over leadership. At some point it was decided that the dispute would be settled with a boat race. The first person to lay their hand on the opposite shore would win and become the new ruler. As the boat race neared conclusion, my ancestor started to fall behind, but then he got an idea. He picked up his battle axe, cut off his own left hand, and threw it onto the shore. Nobody was willing to dispute the win of the guy who just cut off his own hand and was still ready to fight anybody who might object his claim. This is the reason why the O'Neill coat of arms bears a blood red left hand over water, among other things.
