New genetic tests have uncovered evidence of another break in the male line of the Plantagenet family, potentially undermining the legitimacy of the entire dynasty. The findings follow earlier DNA analysis of King Richard III's remains, which revealed an adulterous affair had broken the male line somewhere in his family tree.
Researchers at the University of Leicester compared the Y chromosomes of Richard III and five male relatives of Henry Somerset, the 5th Duke of Beaufort, who claim descent from Edward III. The Y chromosome, passed from father to son, should match, but no match was found, indicating a false paternity event.
To pinpoint the break, the team tested Patrice de Warren, a French man who traces his male line to Richard III through an illegitimate son of Geoffrey, Count of Anjou. The result showed de Warren's Y chromosome matched neither Richard III nor Henry Somerset, revealing another false paternity event.
Geneticist Turi King stated: 'De Warren's Y chromosome doesn't match Richard III or Henry Somerset, so somewhere along the line there's been another false paternity event. It's opened up the mystery even further.'
Genealogy expert Kevin Schürer noted that the break could have occurred in the 22 generations between de Warren and Geoffrey, Count of Anjou. If that branch is intact, it would raise questions about the legitimacy of nearly all Plantagenets. However, the findings do not affect the modern monarchy due to the complex succession history.
The investigation continues, with plans to test Y chromosomes of other de Warrens in the US and Australia, as well as men in the extended Duke of Beaufort family. The findings are part of a new exhibit at the Science Museum in London, featuring a 3D-printed skeleton of Richard III.
