Princess Eugenie and Prince Albert: Hemophilia in the Royal Family

Understanding Hemophilia in the Royal Family

Princess Eugenie, who was a carrier for hemophilia, married her cousin Prince Albert who was a hemophiliac. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that is typically inherited in an X-linked recessive manner. Let's explore what percent of their daughters will have hemophilia.

The Genetic Inheritance of Hemophilia

Hemophilia is caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing a clotting protein. In females, who have two X chromosomes, being a carrier means having one normal X chromosome and one X chromosome carrying the hemophilia gene. In males, who have one X and one Y chromosome, having the hemophilia gene on the X chromosome results in hemophilia.

Predicting Hemophilia in Princess Eugenie's Daughters

When Princess Eugenie and Prince Albert have daughters, each daughter will inherit one X chromosome from each parent. Since Princess Eugenie only has one X chromosome with the hemophilia gene, and there is a 50% chance that the daughters will receive the normal X chromosome from Prince Albert, none of their daughters will have hemophilia.

Carrier Status of Princess Eugenie's Daughters

Although none of their daughters will have hemophilia, they will be carriers of the hemophilia gene just like Princess Eugenie. This means they can potentially pass on the hemophilia gene to their offspring in the future.

Princess Eugenie, who was a carrier for hemophilia, married her cousin Prince Albert who was a hemophiliac. What percent of their daughters will have hemophilia?

None of the daughters of Princess Eugenie will have hemophilia. Their daughters will be carriers of the hemophilia gene but will not have the two copies needed to develop hemophilia.