An American genealogist has told talk-show hostess Ellen DeGeneres that she is a distant cousin of royal fiancee Kate Middleton.

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DeGeneres announced on her show this week that she had been duly informed by Tom Champoux of the New England Historic Genealogical Society that she and Middleton were indeed related -- 15th cousins to be exact.

The revelation was a hoot for DeGeneres, who has been using her daily show to drop repeated gag hints about wanting an invitation to the upcoming royal wedding of Middleton and Britain's Prince William, People magazine said Saturday.

"Cuz, let me know where you're registered," DeGeneres joked. "I have a Pier 1 and a Target real, real close to my house."

Champoux said records indicated that DeGeneres and Middleton cross paths through one Sir Thomas Fairfax and his wife, Agnes Gascoigne.