Menu
05/05/2006
US link to 'fake earl'
The mystery behind the identity of a man who stole a name from a dead baby's headstone and called himself Lord Buckingham may finally be solved.
According to a report in 'The Times', the real name of Christopher Buckingham is believed to be Charles Albert Stopford, who disappeared from his home in Florida in 1983.
It is believed that Mr Stopford was a former member of a US Navy intelligence unit.
Mr Stopford was last seen in April 1983, when he was living with his grandmother in Orlando.
The following year, a man calling himself Christopher Buckingham - an identity assumed from the headstone of an eight-month-old baby who died in 1963 - met his wife-to-be, Jody Doe, in Germany.
Using the dead baby's identity, Buckingham obtained a British passport and national insurance number. He also used the title of Lord Buckingham - a title which has been extinct since 1687 - and used faked headed notepaper containing the Buckingham coat of arms.
The couple moved to England, married and had two children before divorcing in 1997.
Buckingham was arrested when new security measures introduced after the 9/11 attacks led to his passport being revoked when it was found to match the death certificate of the real Christopher Buckingham.
He was jailed for 21 months last year for passport offences, which was reduced to nine months on appeal.
Kent Police said that the revelation was a "promising development" and said that they were in contact with Interpol and the US authorities in order to obtain fingerprint and DNA checks.
Charles Stopford told 'The Times' that he would be "absolutely delighted" if the man turned out to be his missing son. He said: "I haven't seen my son for more than 20 years. We are still awaiting confirmation, but if it is him we will all be absolutely delighted."
(KMcA)
According to a report in 'The Times', the real name of Christopher Buckingham is believed to be Charles Albert Stopford, who disappeared from his home in Florida in 1983.
It is believed that Mr Stopford was a former member of a US Navy intelligence unit.
Mr Stopford was last seen in April 1983, when he was living with his grandmother in Orlando.
The following year, a man calling himself Christopher Buckingham - an identity assumed from the headstone of an eight-month-old baby who died in 1963 - met his wife-to-be, Jody Doe, in Germany.
Using the dead baby's identity, Buckingham obtained a British passport and national insurance number. He also used the title of Lord Buckingham - a title which has been extinct since 1687 - and used faked headed notepaper containing the Buckingham coat of arms.
The couple moved to England, married and had two children before divorcing in 1997.
Buckingham was arrested when new security measures introduced after the 9/11 attacks led to his passport being revoked when it was found to match the death certificate of the real Christopher Buckingham.
He was jailed for 21 months last year for passport offences, which was reduced to nine months on appeal.
Kent Police said that the revelation was a "promising development" and said that they were in contact with Interpol and the US authorities in order to obtain fingerprint and DNA checks.
Charles Stopford told 'The Times' that he would be "absolutely delighted" if the man turned out to be his missing son. He said: "I haven't seen my son for more than 20 years. We are still awaiting confirmation, but if it is him we will all be absolutely delighted."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 May 2006
Baby name fraudster is finally identified
The true identity of a man who stole the name of a dead baby has been confirmed as Charles Albert Stopford III, a US citizen from Clearwater, Florida. Mr Stopford was last seen by his family in April 1983, when he was living with his grandmother in Orlando. Mr Stopford lived under the name of Christopher Buckingham for more than 20 years.
Baby name fraudster is finally identified
The true identity of a man who stole the name of a dead baby has been confirmed as Charles Albert Stopford III, a US citizen from Clearwater, Florida. Mr Stopford was last seen by his family in April 1983, when he was living with his grandmother in Orlando. Mr Stopford lived under the name of Christopher Buckingham for more than 20 years.
14 October 2013
Man Arrested For Trying To Enter Buckingham Palace
Police have arrested a man after he tried to enter Buckingham Palace. He is believed to have been armed with a knife. According to Scotland Yard the man tried to enter the palace at the north centre gate at around 11.30am on Monday. He was arrested on suspicion of trespassing and possessing an offensive weapon.
Man Arrested For Trying To Enter Buckingham Palace
Police have arrested a man after he tried to enter Buckingham Palace. He is believed to have been armed with a knife. According to Scotland Yard the man tried to enter the palace at the north centre gate at around 11.30am on Monday. He was arrested on suspicion of trespassing and possessing an offensive weapon.
27 March 2009
Brown Discusses Royal Reform
Rules restricting the crowned head of the United Kingdom marrying a Roman Catholic could eventually be overturned, it was reported today. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also approached Buckingham Palace regarding a possible change to succession rights, which would give female royals equality with their male family members.
Brown Discusses Royal Reform
Rules restricting the crowned head of the United Kingdom marrying a Roman Catholic could eventually be overturned, it was reported today. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also approached Buckingham Palace regarding a possible change to succession rights, which would give female royals equality with their male family members.
02 July 2007
Royal couple expecting baby
The Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward are expecting a baby in December, Buckingham Palace has announced. A spokesperson for Sophie, 42 and the Earl of Wessex, 43, said that the couple were "thrilled and excited" about the news.
Royal couple expecting baby
The Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward are expecting a baby in December, Buckingham Palace has announced. A spokesperson for Sophie, 42 and the Earl of Wessex, 43, said that the couple were "thrilled and excited" about the news.
03 July 2015
Minute's Silence Held For Tunisia Attack Victims
A national one minute of silence was held today at 12pm as a mark of respect to those who died in a terrorist attack in Tunisia last week. Flags will also be lowered to half-mast at government buildings, military bases and embassies. Buckingham Palace will also fly its flag at half mast for an official day of mourning.
Minute's Silence Held For Tunisia Attack Victims
A national one minute of silence was held today at 12pm as a mark of respect to those who died in a terrorist attack in Tunisia last week. Flags will also be lowered to half-mast at government buildings, military bases and embassies. Buckingham Palace will also fly its flag at half mast for an official day of mourning.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
