Singer James Blunt is likely to be a direct descendant of legendary British royal KING HENRY VIII, thanks to the 16th century monarch's womanising ways.

The YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL star, who currently sits atop both the UK singles and albums charts, is reportedly related to BESSIE BLOUNT, who enjoyed a torrid affair with the rotund royal while he was married to CATHERINE OF ARAGON.

A family tree expert says, "Bessie Blount was one of Henry's most famous mistresses.

"James changed his family name from Blount to Blunt to be a performer.

"Judging by James's moneyed background, the area of England he comes from and the uniqueness of the name, the chances of there being some connection are high."

28/07/2005 01:57