For just £27, a simple DNA swab kit has unlocked a family mystery spanning centuries, leading one man to a potential connection with royalty. This remarkable story highlights how affordable genetic testing is allowing people to challenge long-held family stories and uncover astonishing truths about their heritage.
From Unknown Origins to a Royal Connection
The journey began with Brian Devitt, who, according to a review he posted on TrustPilot, did not know the identity of his birth parents. He ordered a DNA testing kit from MyHeritage DNA, which was on offer for £27 as part of an extended Black Friday promotion. After completing the simple cheek swab and sending it off, he received his results online within a few weeks.
Using the platform's DNA matches and family tree tools, Brian was able to identify living relatives he never knew existed. He successfully connected with a half-sister, distant cousins, and other branches of his biological family, some of whom he now speaks to regularly.
However, the biggest surprise was yet to come. As he delved deeper into historical records available through the service, Brian claims his family tree began linking to medieval nobility. Most astonishingly, he suggests a line may lead all the way back to William the Conqueror.
The Science and the Story Behind DNA Ancestry
Experts often note that a DNA test alone cannot confirm a direct link to a specific historical figure like a medieval monarch. Geneticists point out that due to centuries of population mixing, many people of European descent will find some shared ancestry with aristocratic lines if they trace back far enough.
Nevertheless, the power of these tests lies in their ability to provide a starting point for exploration. Kits like the one from MyHeritage DNA can analyse heritage across more than 2,000 global regions, reveal migration patterns and ethnic origins, and identify potential relatives. For individuals with gaps in their family history, such as adoptees or those who are donor-conceived, the impact can be profound and life-changing.
How You Can Explore Your Own Roots
The process is designed to be straightforward. The kit arrives by post, the user provides a saliva sample via a cheek swab, and sends it back to the lab. After a short wait, a detailed online report becomes available, allowing users to begin piecing together their ancestral puzzle.
At the time of the original report in December 2025, the MyHeritage DNA kit was available at the heavily discounted price of £27. Such deals make genealogical discovery accessible to a much wider audience, prompting thousands to consider testing their own roots.
Brian Devitt's experience serves as a compelling example of how modern technology can rewrite personal narratives. While a definitive link to William the Conqueror remains part of a broader historical tapestry, the tangible connections he made with living family members underscore the real value of these affordable genetic journeys into the past.
