The research, which surveyed 2000 adults, found that just 29% of people know who their mum first dated, with even fewer knowing anything about their dad’s early love life (19%).
Despite this, around 34% could correctly identify Chelsy Davy as Prince Harry’s first high-profile girlfriend.
26% knew that Wayne Rooney’s first car was a Ford SportKa, but only 21% could say the same of their mum’s.
This survey was commissioned by National Rail, on behalf of the rail industry, which has launched a brand new version of ‘36 Questions’ to help people find out more about their loved ones.
Over one in 10 adults knows more about the lives of celebrities than they do about their own loved ones
Discussing the research on personal knowledge of celebrities and family, psychologist Dr Madeleine Mason Roantree, said: “Many of us assume we know our loved ones better than we actually do.
“But research, and everyday experience, show us that we often have blind spots and gaps in our understanding of those around us.”
The study also found that many haven’t asked key questions about themselves, with 40% of adults being unaware of how they got their names.
However, 47% know how at least one of the Beckham kids got their names, with Brooklyn topping the list at 37%.
Not asking a loved one about a personal question was found to lead to regret later in life, with 30% wishing they had asked more about their grandparents.
Luckily, the research was able to reveal that train journeys are considered among the best ways to start these meaningful chats.
This was due to the lack of distractions and increased quality time, making the mode of transport the ideal environment for bonding.
Father and son duo George and Larry Lamb put National Rail’s ‘36 Questions to Connect’ to the test after admitting they rarely get time to talk.
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Larry said: “I’m so lucky to have a very close relationship with my kids, but life’s so busy, it’s often hard to find the time to sit down and have a proper chat, connect, and have those more deep and meaningful conversations – but on the train you can.
“I really enjoyed playing 36 Questions to Connect with my son George, reminiscing on past experiences and sharing a few stories that we didn’t know about each other.
“I didn’t realise he didn’t actually know what my first job was, and there are a few things I learnt about him too.”
