Was Richard III illegitimate? Break in DNA line could raise questions over Queen's royal heritage

Scientists believe they've uncovered a genetic anomaly that could undermine the Tudor dynasty and the Queen's bloodline.

Tests being carried out on the skeleton found in the Leicester car park in 2012 - which scientists are now 99.999 per cent sure is that of Richard III - have identified a break in the male line.

The skeleton's male 'Y' chromosome, which is only passed from father to son, did not match those of five living people who claim a paternal link with King Richard via their shared ancestor - Henry Somerset, the fifth Duke of Beaufort.

Professor Kevin Schurer, who co-lead the research team, said an illegitimacy dating back several centuries to the first Duke of Lancaster John of Gaunt, or his son John Beaufort, Earl of Somerset, would cast doubt on the succession of a whole series of monarchs including the Tudors.

It could also have implications for the Queen, whose ancestry can be traced back to the found of the Tudor dynasty, King Henry VII.

Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 and according to historical records he was buried in Grey Friars Church in Leicester, which once stood on the site of the car park where his bones were found.

Professor Schurer said the history of the British monarchy took "all kinds of twists and turns" and the 'Y' chromosome discovery didn't have a bearing on the present Queen's right to rule. He added that he Tudors took the crown "by force" and backed up their claim with the blood line leading to John of Gaunt.