Benedict Cumberbatch related to King Richard III

Benedict Cumberbatch Credit: PA Wire

Benedict Cumberbatch is related to King Richard III, scientists have found.

Professor Kevin Schurer, from the University of Leicester, said they believe the Sherlock star is a second cousin of the king, 16 times removed.

Cumberbatch will read a specially-written poem as the king's coffin is lowered into a specially made tomb of Swaledale stone at a reburial ceremony at Leicester Cathedral tomorrow.

King Richard III's coffin inside Leicester Cathedral where he will be reburied. Credit: PA Wire

Professor Schurer said: "Benedict is Richard III's second cousin, 16 removed.

"He is linked in several ways, but in terms of number of generations, the shortest is via Richard's mother, Cecily Neville's grandmother Joan Beaufort.

"He also has more indirect links to both Queen Elizabeth II and Lady Jane Grey through other ancestors in his tree.

"It is great that Benedict has the opportunity to take part in Thursday's ceremony for his distant relative.

"Having him there will add another dimension to what has already been a momentous week for the University of Leicester as well as the city and county."