We have heard a lot about Michael Ibsen, who as John Ashdown-Hill established is a descendant of Richard’s sister Anne in a direct all-female line.  His DNA was to be compared to the DNA the scientists were hoping to extract from the remains found in Leicester in September 2012.

However, DNA does mutate over time and generations, so the scientists were not sure whether a DNA comparison between Michael Ibsen and the remains would be conclusive.  That is why genealogists from the University of Leicester have been searching for an alternative line of descent.  It has now been revealed that they were indeed successful in tracing another descendant.

However, whether this second line of descent confirms that the remains are those of Richard III or not, will only be revealed at the eagerly anticipated press conference on 4 February 2013.

More information:

Natasha Sheldon, ‘The Secrets of the Bones: DNA Analysis and the Search for Richard III’, Decoded Science (27 Jan 2013).  URL:  http://www.decodedscience.com/dna-analysis-and-the-search-for-richard-iii/24792 Date accessed:  28 Jan 2013

Tags: Leicester, Leicester Greyfriars Dig, Richard III