The Archbishop of Canterbury has today been revealed as the illegitimate son of Sir Anthony Montague Browne, the last private secretary of Winston Churchill.

The Most Rev Justin Welby is said to have taken a DNA test after being apparently approached by the family of Sir Anthony.

It is said to have proved he was the product of a liaison between his mother and Sir Anthony just a day or so before her wedding.

He had previously believed he was the son of Gavin Welby, a whisky salesman briefly married to the Archbishop's mother, Lady Williams of Elvel.

It is claimed the Archbishop gave mouth swabs that were compared with hairs taken from the brush of Sir Anthony. It showed a very close match.

A statement released by the Archbishop said: "In the last month I have discovered that my biological father is not Gavin Welby but, in fact, the late Sir Anthony Montague Browne.

"This comes as a complete surprise.

"My mother (Jane Williams) and father (Gavin Welby) were both alcoholics.

"My mother has been in recovery since 1968, and has not touched alcohol for over 48 years. I am enormously proud of her.

"My father (Gavin Welby) died as a result of the alcohol and smoking in 1977 when I was 21.

"As a result of my parents’ addictions my early life was messy, although I had the blessing and gift of a wonderful education, and was cared for deeply by my grandmother, my mother once she was in recovery, and my father (Gavin Welby) as far as he was able.

"I have had a life of great blessing and wonderful support, especially from Caroline and our children, as well as a great many wonderful friends and family.

"My own experience is typical of many people. To find that one's father is other than imagined is not unusual.

"To be the child of families with great difficulties in relationships, with substance abuse or other matters, is far too normal.

"By the grace of God, found in Christian faith, through the NHS, through Alcoholics Anonymous and through her own very remarkable determination and effort, my mother has lived free of alcohol, has a very happy marriage, and has contributed greatly to society as a probation officer, member of the National Parole Board, Prison Visitor and with involvement in penal reform.

"She has also played a wonderful part in my life and in the lives of my children and now grandchildren, as has my stepfather whose support and encouragement has been generous, unstinting and unfailing."

He said the revelation has been a surprise, but he said he had had "far worse".

He added: "Even more importantly my role as Archbishop makes me constantly aware of the real and genuine pain and suffering of many around the world, which should be the main focus of our prayers."

He said nothing had changed since he declared himself a "servant of Jesus Christ" at his inauguration service three years ago.