The Man Who Would Be King

Many historians question the legitimacy of the King George myth, especially since most royals endure stricter marriage restrictions than the ones faced by today's Washingtons. And even among Paul's own children, there is varying skepticism. Richard, the eldest heir, has little interest in his supposed birthright while his younger brother, Bill, fills the upstairs floor of his home with George Washington memorabilia—paintings, coins, tobacco tins—and claims membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. He's also visited ancestral homes in Mount Vernon and manses in England where the British Washingtons lived. "With my brother, there's always that jealousy thing involved," the second heir says. "I go out and do the parades—but he's still got the claim." Paul Emery Washington's family has known for some time that they are descendants of America's first president, but Ancestry.com has used the latest technology to make a definitive case for Paul being the "lost king."

And though he isn't the crown prince, Bill Washington still wouldn't mind if dad was King. "It couldn't be much worse. I thought we already had a monarchy?" he asks of the current administration before describing himself as an Obama-supporting Democrat. "Our government has gotten away from everyday people serving and then stepping down—like [George Washington] wanted."

But perhaps the wisest thing that Bill has learned from studying his own hypothetically royal family is that you have to watch what you say around the "king." Nearly all of his relatives, including his father, are Republican supporters who appreciate the legacy of George W. Bush and will probably vote for the McCain/Palin ticket. And recently, when Bill ordered a copy of "The Tudors," a television show about Henry VIII, he realized the consequences for his personal dissension. "I don't think I'd be a very good subject," he says, "I would have my head chopped off a long time ago." So for Bill Washington's sake, God save the president.

© 2008