Historical biographer Michael Jones has reportedly uncovered evidence King Edward IV, who ruled England from 1461 to 1483, was the illegitimate son of a French archer, the Sunday Herald Sun reports.

That, the newspaper says, invalidates the claim to sovereignty of the most famous of English monarchs, from Elizabeth I.to Charles II to Victoria and the Georges.

Jones claims the heirs of Edward's younger brother, George, are the rightful inheritors of the English throne -- which brings him to Michael Hastings, 62, of Jerilderie.

Hastings, born and educated in England, said he was surprised when Jones contacted him with the news of his lineage.

But, he told the Sunday Herald Sun, he has no plans to return to the mother country and claim his throne.

"I love Australia," he said.