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The Society’s primary means of fostering high standards in genealogy is by granting membership to individuals who meet such standards. Admission to the “Royal Bastards” is considered an achievement of great merit by amateur and professional genealogists alike.
Membership is open to individuals of any nationality who prove descent from an illegitimate son or daughter of a king, an illegitimate son or daughter of the child of a king, or an illegitimate son or daughter of the grandchild of a king of England, Scotland, Wales, Great Britain or the United Kingdom.
Descent is proved by documenting each generation and each connection between generations from the king to the applicant with valid, conclusive primary or contemporary evidence. Validity of an applicant’s lineage is determined by the Society's Herald, who must be convinced of its correctness before the applicant may be admitted.
(Please note that most lineages acceptable for admission to other hereditary associations will not qualify for admission to this Society. This is not a matter of accuracy, but of accuracy and substantiation: only lineages supported by evidence that meets the standards of this Society can qualify an applicant for admission.)
This Society’s current application fee and life membership dues total $300 US (about £205 UK or 235€). Should an applicant be unsuccessful on their first attempt, as many as two amendments of their application will be considered within twelve months of the original submission. Regrettably, refunds cannot be made to unsuccessful applicants.
The Society welcomes all applications, and is happy to answer questions by mail or e-mail. Those interested in membership should download an application and instructions, review these, and consider if they wish to proceed.
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