James Hewitt, a name that may not resonate with American audiences, was a central figure in one of the British monarchy’s most significant scandals of the late 20th century. His life, intertwined with that of Princess Diana, became a subject of intense public scrutiny and tabloid fascination.
A Military Man’s Path
Born into a military family in 1958, James Hewitt followed in the footsteps of his father, an officer in the British Navy. After attending Millfield School, he joined the Brigade of Guards, a prestigious unit of the British Army, at the age of 20. His military career included commanding 14 Challenger tanks during Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War.
The turning point in Hewitt’s public life occurred in 1986 when he met Princess Diana at a party hosted by her lady-in-waiting. Their initial encounter, described as natural and sparking an instant connection, led to Hewitt, a riding instructor, offering to help Diana overcome her fear of horses. This connection marked the beginning of a relationship that would have profound implications.
Cavalry officer James Hewitt became Princess Diana’s riding instructor in 1986.
An Affair with Princess Diana
Shortly after becoming Diana’s riding instructor, Hewitt and the Princess of Wales became romantically involved, a relationship that continued for several years. This affair unfolded against the backdrop of a reportedly strained marriage between Diana and Prince Charles, who was himself involved with Camilla Parker-Bowles. According to royal protection officer Ken Wharfe, Diana’s desire for attention and affection may have contributed to her initiating the affair with Hewitt.
Hewitt described their romance as relatively understated, involving cooking and casual conversation. However, by the late 1980s, Hewitt’s military career took him abroad, leading to a period of strain. Diana reportedly felt betrayed by his career choices, and while she maintained contact after he was stationed in Saudi Arabia in 1990, the romantic aspect of their relationship waned.
Hewitt famously had a years-long affair with Princess Diana during her marriage to Prince Charles.
The Tell-All Revelation
In 1994, Hewitt re-entered the public eye with the publication of Princess in Love, co-authored by Anna Pasternak. The book detailed his alleged five-year affair with Princess Diana, creating a significant scandal even though Diana and Prince Charles had already separated. The book quickly became a bestseller. In 1995, Diana herself confirmed the affair in a televised interview, stating she was “very let down” by Hewitt’s involvement in the book’s publication.
Hewitt’s Life Post-Diana
Following Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997, Hewitt continued to be a subject of media attention, often related to their past affair. He released another book, Love and War, in 1999, further elaborating on their relationship. In the years that followed, Hewitt faced accusations and attempted sales of love letters Diana had written to him, with one reported asking price of £10 million. However, he later stated his intention to keep the letters.
After retiring from the military in the mid-1990s, Hewitt ventured into various businesses, including opening a golf driving range and participating in reality television shows. He later moved to Spain to open a bar, which eventually closed. In 2017, he was hospitalized following a heart attack but recovered.
Persistent Rumors of Paternity
The enduring legacy of Hewitt’s affair with Diana has been the persistent speculation about his potential paternity of Prince Harry. This has been fueled by a perceived physical resemblance, particularly their red hair. Hewitt has consistently denied these rumors. Royal protection officer Ken Wharfe has also stated that the timeline makes it impossible for Hewitt to be Harry’s father, as Prince Harry was born in September 1984, well before Diana met Hewitt in 1986.
Prince Harry himself addressed these rumors in his memoir, Spare, recounting how his father, King Charles, would joke about his parentage. Harry also noted that while the tabloids embraced the story, his mother had not met Major Hewitt until after his birth. In a witness statement for a 2023 court case, Harry detailed how tabloid stories about this rumor, when he was 18 and grieving his mother, felt “hurtful, mean and cruel,” leaving him questioning the motives behind such publications. He learned the timeline of his mother not meeting Hewitt until after his birth around 2014, a fact he believes was known by journalists at the time.
Lauren HubbardWriter
