In his book "The Victorians," biographer A.N. Wilson alleges that Victoria's mother, Princess Victoire of Leiningen, had a lengthy affair with her Irish-born secretary, Sir John Conroy, and that he, rather than Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, was Victoria's real father.

Wilson based his argument partly on medical data. Records show that the illness porphyria— a hereditary disorder of body metabolism — once ran in the Royal Family, but there is no evidence that Victoria carried it or passed it to her descendants. Wilson also writes that Victoria was a carrier for the disease hemophilia, although medical records tracing her mother's ancestors for 17 generations show no evidence of the disease, suggesting Victoria inherited it from Conroy.

It is an interesting speculation, but please remember that it is just that: only speculation. Buckingham Palace said it would not comment on the allegation. To my knowledge, no DNA testing is under consideration in this matter; the ramifications might be more than the biographer had in mind.

You can learn more about "The Victorians" at the Random House Web site: www.randomhouse.com/catalog/search/display/index.pperl/0-09-179421-8.html