As Prince Harry finds himself embroiled in yet another legal battle over privacy rights against the Mirror Group, the spotlight on royal affairs—both historical and current—has intensified.
Among those under scrutiny is Major James Hewitt, whose name became synonymous with scandal during his affair with Princess Diana, while she was still married to Prince Charles.
Hewitt’s romance with the beloved Princess of Wales captured headlines and hearts alike in the late 20th century.
This affair didn’t just make waves; it created a tsunami of media frenzy, especially after Diana confirmed their relationship in her iconic BBC Panorama interview.
For those who remember that era, the drama surrounding Diana and Hewitt remains etched in memory.
While many are familiar with the affair, few know the intricate details of how Hewitt became enmeshed in this royal saga.
Over the years, speculation has swirled around whether he could be Prince Harry’s biological father, a theory that has never been officially acknowledged by any royal family member until recently.
In his memoir, “Spare,” which accidentally leaked last week, Harry addressed these rumors head-on.
“…. the rumor going around at the time that my real father was one of my mother’s ex-lovers: Major James Hewitt,” he wrote.
He noted that the gossip was partly fueled by Hewitt’s red hair and the tabloids’ insatiable appetite for scandal.
Harry recounted an article from 2002 titled “Plot to rob the DNA of Harry,” which reported attempts to procure his DNA for paternity testing.
He clarified, “I wasn’t actually aware that my mother hadn’t met Major Hewitt until after I was born.” This revelation sheds light on the misconceptions that have persisted for decades about his parentage.
So, who exactly is James Hewitt?
Born in 1958 in Derry, Northern Ireland, he grew up in a military family, with his father serving in the Royal Marines.
He attended the prestigious Millfield School in Somerset before following a similar path by joining the Brigade of Guards.
His military career saw him rise to the rank of major.
Hewitt first crossed paths with Diana at a party hosted by her lady-in-waiting in 1986, where he was introduced as a riding instructor.
Their connection blossomed quickly, leading to a romantic relationship that lasted several years, much to the dismay of the press, which soon caught wind of their secret meetings.
Their love story unfolded amidst the backdrop of Diana’s troubled marriage to Prince Charles, who was already involved with Camilla Parker-Bowles.
In his book, “Love and War,” Hewitt reflected on their deep emotional bond, stating, “Only one thing went wrong… we fell in love.”
However, it was not all fairy-tale moments; the affair experienced its share of turbulence, particularly when Hewitt was deployed during the Gulf War.
Diana herself later expressed disappointment over Hewitt’s decision to publish a tell-all book about their relationship, claiming it was “distressing” that someone she trusted profited from their intimacy.
Despite their passionate connection, the affair began to wane once Hewitt prioritized his military career over their romance.
As for the persistent rumors regarding Hewitt’s potential paternity of Prince Harry, both Hewitt and members of the royal household have vehemently denied such claims.
The timeline clearly indicates that Harry was born before Hewitt and Diana ever became involved, but the similarities in their appearances have kept the gossip alive.
Life post-Diana has been a rollercoaster for Hewitt.
After her tragic passing in 1997, he remained in the public eye, often discussing their relationship in interviews.
Attempts to auction off personal letters from Diana only added fuel to the fire, drawing criticism and intrigue alike.
Today, Hewitt lives a quieter life in Devon, reportedly working as a gardener and caring for his elderly mother.
Although he once dabbled in the hospitality business in Spain, he has largely faded from the limelight.
The echoes of his past continue to linger, reminding us how intertwined personal lives can become with public perception, especially within the royal sphere.
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