Bad movie plot turns reality:

Imagine being Bill Capell, a retired supermarket clerk, who's lived his entire life in the small town of Yuba City, California. Then imagine you've just learned you are next in line to be the 10th Earl of Essex, a nobleman in England, a country you've never even visited.

Capell's family lineage goes back to William the Conquerer. Nearly a thousand years of ermine robes and powdered wigs, a world away from Yuba City, California.

Capell got a call on June 17th early in the morning telling him that his cousin the 10th Earl had died. That news now made Capell, former grocery store clerk, the next in line for the title.

As Earl of Essex, the Queen would address him as "our right trusty and entirely beloved cousin." And he could one day take a seat in the House of Lords.

Amusing. Unfortunately for Capell, there is no treasure or castle...just a coat of arms.

My favorite part of the article:

His wife was pretty excited too! Capell says, "She goes -- well that makes me a lady then? And I said you've always been a lady."

Hey, take it from me...having a noblewoman by your side is like nothing else!