Benedict Cumberbatch to read poem at Richard III reburial

Benedict Cumberbatch is going to help put a royal to rest.

"The Imitation Game" and "Sherlock" star will read a poem at the reburial service for King Richard III, whose remains were discovered under a parking lot in Leicester, England, in 2012.

The monarch will be reburied Thursday at Leicester Cathedral, where the service is taking place. Cumberbatch will read a poem composed by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy specifically for the event.

Why Cumberbatch, you ask? Turns out, he and Richard are (distant) relatives -- the Oscar nominee has been identified as a third cousin 16 times removed, according to the cathedral. And, he's also playing the king in the upcoming BBC series "The Hollow Crown: The War of the Roses."

The cathedral added that Cumberbatch is "looking forward" to taking part in the reinternment and that his role in the TV drama has "inspired a passion to know more."

Following the reburial service, Richard III's tomb will be open for the public to visit inside the cathedral beginning Friday.