Programme Name: Who Do You Think You Are? S18 – TX: n/a – Episode: Who Do You Think You Are? S18 – Announcement (No. Announcement) – Picture Shows: at Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge. Josh Widdicombe – (C) Wall to Wall Media Ltd – Photographer: Stephen Perry (Image: BBC/Wall to Wall Media Ltd/Stephen Perry)
Josh Widdicombe was gobsmacked to learn that he is connected to the royal family.
In 2021, the comedian and presenter delved into his family history as he appeared on an episode of Who Do You Think You Are?. The revelations begin to unwind as the 41-year-old traced his family tree back and discovered that he was related to the Earl of Holland.
Josh’s 13-time great-grandmother, Lady Katherine Knollys, was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I.
Katherine was an esteemed member of Queen Elizabeth I’s household, holding the position of Chief Lady of the Bedchamber and even overseeing the Royal pets – a monkey and a parrot.
Josh was taken aback by the connections he uncovered during his visit to Westminster Abbey, where he located Katherine’s burial site surrounded by the British elite and royalty.
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Many historians believe Josh is descended from Henry VIII (Image: Henry VIII)
“To say it’s exceeded my expectations is the understatement of a lifetime,” he said. “I was just expecting a couple of farmers. I’m astonished at what I’ve uncovered.”
However, the biggest revelation came later in the show when Josh discovered that Katherine may have been more than just the Queen’s cousin.
Historian Dr Owen Emerson revealed that Mary had an affair with Henry, who essentially admitted they were intimate, leading some historians to speculate that Katherine was his illegitimate child.
“So some respected historians believe I’m descended from Henry VIII,” Josh confessed.
The Royal revelations didn’t stop there, as The Last Leg star found out he is linked to both English and French royalty.
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Josh is also a direct descendant of French royalty (Image: BBC)
Josh was left gobsmacked upon discovering his lineage traces back to royalty, with King Edward I being his 23-time great-grandfather and French King Phillip III his 24-time great-grandfather, making him a direct descendant of French royalty.
“That’s just astonishing. It’s proper blue blood isn’t it,” he exclaimed in amazement.
The revelation led him to say: “I’m not who I thought I was, I’ll be honest with you. I don’t know where to start. Can you use the word ‘star-studded’ to describe a family tree? It’s an all star cast.”
Viewers were also floored by the revelations, with one saying at the time: “One of the best Who Do You Think You Are episodes I’ve ever seen! Josh Widdicombe surely has a claim to the throne!! Amazing bloodline!”
Another agreed: “Absolutely mind blowing episode of #WDYTYA with Josh Widdicombe.”