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Henry VIII, McLeod syndrome and Jacquetta's curse

P Stride1, K Lopes Floro

  • 1P Stride 23 Aland St Wavell Heights Brisbane, Queensland Australia. pjostride@gmail.com.

The Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
|December 19, 2013
PubMed

Insights

King Henry VIII's declining health and inability to produce male heirs may be explained by a rare genetic condition. This theory examines McLeod syndrome and Kell blood group antigenicity, exploring their impact on fertility and behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Medical history
  • Genetics
  • Neurology

Background:

  • King Henry VIII exhibited significant behavioral changes and struggled with male heirs.
  • Previous diagnoses like diabetes and hypothyroidism inadequately explain his symptoms and fertility issues.

Discussion:

  • The latest theory proposes a coexistence of McLeod syndrome and Kell blood group antigenicity.
  • McLeod syndrome's protein mutation inactivates the Kell antigen, potentially causing infertility and psychotic changes.
  • The genetic inheritance and genealogical impact on Henry VIII's lineage are critically reviewed.

Key Insights:

  • Kell blood group antigenicity, possibly inherited, may impair fertility.
  • McLeod syndrome could account for Henry VIII's behavioral and psychological decline.
  • This dual diagnosis offers a more comprehensive explanation than previous hypotheses.

Outlook:

  • Further research into the genetic and pathophysiological links between McLeod syndrome and Kell antigenicity is warranted.
  • This case study highlights the importance of considering rare genetic disorders in historical medical analyses.
  • Understanding these conditions can provide insights into inherited neurological and reproductive disorders.

Keywords:
Henry VIIIJaquetta St PolKell antigenMcLeod syndromeinfertilitypsychosis

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