The talk show host discovered through a genealogical society that she is a distant cousin of the future princess and still has her fingers crossed for a last-minute invitation to her wedding to Prince William.

In an interview with Terri Seymour for ‘Extra’, she said: “We’re 15th cousins, yeah, it’s not like we’re 20th or something … we’re 15th.

“It’s not too late, Terri. I’m not counting anything out. That’s not how I got to where I am, by being a glass-half-empty kind of person. I mean, there could be a phone call.

“I have a beautiful outfit picked out, and a hat.”

Although she may not be invited to the nuptials, Ellen is hopeful she can use her family connections to secure an interview with Kate.

She said: “There will be a time when Oprah’s not gonna be around next year. Who will be around to help her when she needs something? Me.”

Ellen – who is married to actress Portia de Rossi is not the only American celebrity desperate to attend Kate and William’s nuptials at London’s Westminster Abbey.

Reese Witherspoon – who recently wed Hollywood agent Jim Toth – admitted she would have given anything to get an invite.

She said: “I can’t even contain my enthusiasm for the royal wedding! I’m kind of bummed I’m not invited to the royal wedding. My girlfriend asked me if I was invited. Well, no, but I invited them to my wedding!”

Celebrities fortunate enough to be invited include David Beckham and his wife Victoria, Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish, Guy Ritchie and Joss Stone.