Literal translation
the king is not his cousin
Meaning
he envies no one, not even the king
Explanation
This expression describes someone who has reached such a peak of contentment or success that they have nothing left to envy anyone, not even a king. The literal image plays on the absence of any family tie with the sovereign: saying that the king is not his cousin is to note that no kinship would bring the person close to the top of the social hierarchy, and yet, through this ironic detour, to affirm that he feels just as well, if not better, than if he were. The implication is a satisfaction so complete that it renders any comparison to a higher rank pointless: one need not be related to the king to feel his equal in happiness or ease. The turn of phrase belongs to the register of social hyperbole, where royalty serves as the absolute yardstick for measuring an ordinary person's success or contentment. The register is familiar, often tinged with wry humour, used to describe someone thoroughly savouring a favourable moment or situation without restraint.