Brothers and Sisters Unite: Tales of Families Who Were a Little Too Close

Incest is one of our greatest social taboos. It’s viewed as something perverted, bizarre, and downright sickening. Our brains seem to be wired against it, and for a good reason. Inbreeding can lead to a multitude of disabilities, both physical and mental.

Albert Einstein / The Colt Clan / Mackenzie Phillips, John Phillips / Charles Darwin, Catherine Darwin.

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That being said, a handful of prominent figures throughout history have decided to ignore the dangers of incest in favor of “keeping it in the family.” Royalty often clings onto its “pure blood” for dear life, and other cultures seem to find nothing inherently wrong about it.

Here’s a list of people who have wed their cousins, uncles, aunts, and half-siblings. Some of the names will surely surprise you.

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