I'm from High Irish Royalty on my father's side and German Nobility on my mother's side. I was stunned, too, when I first learned of my surname history and that I'm a direct descendant of several centuries of high Irish Royalty (Kings/Queens). I always "knew" as well since I've always been so strongly drawn to Europe and its history. However, in all my years of research I learned that thousands of people have actually descended from European Royalty. So while it's wonderful, and I've created a huge heritage book for my own child and future grandchildren, being a descendant of Royalty really isn't THAT uncommon. :)