Hundreds of hopefuls claiming to be the rightful heir to the English throne have come forward after a nationwide search was launched.

Government body English Heritage were astounded by the response to advertisements they placed calling on people to get in touch if they could trace their family tree back to 1066.

Historic researchers were especially interested to hear from those who could trace their lineage back to St. Margaret of Scotland, Edgar Aetheling's sister.

Aetheling was named heir apparent by his great uncle Edward the Confessor, but in 1066 Harold II was crowned king instead, because Aetheling was too young.

William the Conqueror then triumphed over Harold in the Battle of Hastings and subsequently became king.

Interestingly over a quarter of the claims to the throne have come from the U.S.

A spokesman for English Heritage told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper, "We had a chap from Arizona who tracked himself back to St. Margaret. A lady from California could trace herself back to Edgar and William the Conqueror and said she has a pair of handsome sons who would make perfect princes.

She added, "We are exploring a 'What if?' scenario. But the House of Windsor need not feel threatened. The throne is safe with them."