Its legal to marry your cousin in the UK - and it happens more often than you might think. Marriage between cousins is a contentious topic across the globe, but you may be surprised to hear its completely legal in the UK.

What cousins can marry UK?

Here in Britain its actually perfectly legal for first cousins to marry. Prince Philip and The Queen are even third cousins. Charles Darwin was also married to his first cousin Emma Wedgwood.

Is it legal to marry your sibling UK?

You can marry your deceased spouses sister or brother. This also applies if your marriage ends due to a divorce rather than a death. There is no legal restriction on the marriage of first cousins.

Can you date your 2nd cousin UK?

In the UK it is legal to marry your cousin; in parts of West Africa theres a saying, Cousins are made for cousins; but in America it is banned or restricted in 31 states. Restrictions include genetic counselling or that couples are past the age of reproduction.

How many 16 year olds get married in the UK?

There were 3,354 marriages involving 16 and 17 year olds in the 10 years to 2016 although figures do not include non-registered or cultural marriages or marriages abroad. Additionally, the Home Offices forced marriage unit dealt with 574 cases involving children aged 17 and under last year.