Was Richard really found under a car park? asks the Queen

The remark about the last Plantagenet King was made at an event honouring higher and further education institutions at Buckingham Palace.

There were 17 universities honoured at the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education, including the University of Leicester’s archaeological team that helped dig up the remains of King Richard III in 2012. Professor Sir Bob Burgess, vice chancellor of the University of Leicester said the Queen asked if it was true that Richard III was really found buried under a car park.” The Queen wanted to know if the remains were really found under a car park, but generally she seemed well-informed about the dig,” said Sir Bob.

Richard was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 – ending the Wars of the Roses and the Plantagenet dynasty – and his body was taken to Leicester by supporters of the victorious Henry VII and buried in Greyfriars church.

His remains were found under the car park owned by Leicester City Council on the former site of the church. “The project illustrates the power of research and how it can fire the imagination of the public. The discovery of Richard III has helped to develop the heritage of Leicester and put the city on the map,” added the vice chancellor.

The University of Leicester and the Ministry of Justice will visit the High Court on March 13 to argue the legality of an exhumation licence, which gives the university control of Richard III’s remains.