FREDERICK, Md. -- An unassuming Frederick businessman is staking his royal claim, News4's Michael Flynn reported.

A year ago, David Howe, 38, got a call from a genealogist in England telling him they had traced his bloodline.

He was told that he is a direct descendant of the last King of the Isle of Man, who reigned about 500 years ago.

The Isle of Man is a picturesque, self-governing British territory in the Irish Sea with 80,000 residents.

"I didn't know what to think at first. I thought it was a put-on by someone," Howe said.

But after much more research, Howe is now the self-proclaimed king.

He called the experience "surreal."

Howe now has his own King David Web site and MySpace page. He even had a crowning ceremony in the D.C. area earlier this year.

Many Isle of Man residents are not happy about Howe's proclamation, however. There are Internet postings questioning Howe's legitimacy, even demanding that authorities intervene.

Howe said he was surprised by the backlash.

"I haven't hired a general, I haven't raised an army, and I have no plans to invade," Howe said.

The controversy has grown even more since he has agreed to work with a company to sell noble titles for charity.

Customers can become a duke for about $180,000. The money, Howe said, will go to help orphans with AIDS in Africa. Howe said selling titles is nothing new in Britain.

For the most part, Howe said this is something to enjoy as a tribute to his ancestors and to pass on to his daughter, Grace, who is now Princess Grace.

"It's something to be happy and proud about," Howe said.

Howe has never visited the island, but he said he plans to go with his family in the spring.