Sceptics claim that the Ethiopians are trying to follow in the footsteps of their southern neighbour Kenya, who have a legitimate connection to the newly elected US president Barack Obama on his paternal side. Both the Kenyan and Eritrean governments were quick to squash the rumours regarding Queen Elizabeth as ‘absolute and crazy nonsense’.

However, an English historian who has chosen to remain anonymous said it could well be possible. Speaking from Addis Ababa airport, he said:

“I think there is a case to be made that Queen Elizabeth II is in fact partly Ethiopian. From the documents I have seen today, it is apparent that her ancestor King Edward VII had had a hushed up sexual relationship with an albino woman from a remote village in the northern mountain ranges of Ethiopia. If we can get some DNA from her majesty and begin some tests then I think we would establish this claim as a fact beyond any doubt”.

Scientists have often studied the features of the long reigning English queen. Some German biologists pointed out in 1985, that her mouth and cheeks were not typical of the northern European facial structure. French hair salons and famous stylists have often been silenced for mentioning the incredible lengths the monarch goes to in order to take the tiny curls out of her hair.

Paris hair dresser Paul Prideux, who was once her personal stylist, said in a radio interview last year:

“It is impossible! Impossible! ‘er ‘air is like a golli… er… an African! No more I tell you. She must get ‘nother ‘airdresser!”

Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on the speculation but is expected to issue a denial in the coming days. If the claims prove to be true it could mark a major change in British-Ethiopian relations. Some royal experts and supporters even think it could mark a revival in pro-monarchist sentiments amongst the usually hostile Liberal-Left, Socialists and the BBC who would warmly welcome an ethnic minority Commander-in-Chief. Somalia, who has been in conflict with Ethiopia, is said to be worried about the possible repercussions of a future alliance of a major Western power with its enemy.

The two nations are awaiting further developments with much interest.

Last night, an un-named royal watcher came out with the reasons for the parting:

“A week ago today, prince Harry referred to Chelsy as a “Paki” during a romantic evening together. Apparently the night before, Miss Davy had misread her self-tanning lotion instructions and had put on five-times the recommended daily amount. This left her skin with a deep orange-brown complexion which led to the act of mistaken identity”.

A storm was caused in December when footage of Prince Harry calling a former army mate a “Paki” and using the term “raghead” came to light. Shortly after the release of the tapes, St James’s Palace said: “Prince Harry fully understands how offensive this term [Paki] can be and is extremely sorry for any offence his words might cause. There is no question that Prince Harry was in any way seeking to insult his friend.”

However, this recent insult on Chelsy’s skin colour will not be passed over as easily. Miss Davy’s parents are said to be infuriated and have made a complaint to the British ‘Equality and Human Rights Commission’. The Muslim Council of Britain also made a short statement in which they uttered their contempt for Prince Harry and his “explosive remarks”.

The un-named royal watcher went on to say: “Chelsy had been unhappy in the relationship for a while and this was the final straw. Harry realised his error and tried making it up by calling her his “beautiful little raghead” but this enraged the Zimbabwe-born 23 year-old even further.”

The royal commentator James Whitaker followed up by saying: “Chelsy has behaved beautifully and has never let Prince Harry down in any way. She has got cross with him sometimes as he has not looked after her as well as he should have; he has left her waiting at railway stations and airports and has not been that courteous towards her. She has behaved impeccably.”

The Queen has refused to pass comment but is said to be unimpressed with her husband’s mirth over the situation. Chelsy is expected to throw herself into her work at Leeds University in the coming days and weeks.