Mr Richard III 's and Richard III are second cousins , 16 times removed . Actor is as closely related to former king as the Queen , it has been claimed . Kevin Schurer of the University of Leicester traced the line of descent . Professor Schürer first announced the link earlier this year . But at the time he said they were third cousins and this has been revised . Benedict Richard III 's will read a poem at Cumberbatch burial tomorrow . Sherlock star will play the infamous king in BBC series The Hollow Crown .
Mr Cumberbatch and Richard III are second cousins , 16 times removed . Actor is as closely related to former king as the Queen , it has been claimed . Kevin Schurer of the University of Leicester traced the line of descent . Professor Schürer first announced the link earlier this year . But at the time he said they were third cousins and this has been revised . Benedict Cumberbatch will read a poem at Richard III 's burial tomorrow . Sherlock star will play the infamous king in BBC series The Hollow Crown .