Princess Diana and James Hewitt shared a secret five-year relationship that began in 1986 and became one of the most explosive scandals in modern British history. While the public often reduces their connection to tabloid headlines, the reality involved a complex mix of isolation, military duty, and royal pressure.
The romance unfolded behind closed doors at Kensington Palace and country hideaways while both Diana and then-Prince Charles were leading increasingly separate lives. Understanding how the affair started, why it ended, and how it reshaped public perception requires looking past the myths.
How the Affair Began
The relationship kicked off in the summer of 1986 at a Mayfair cocktail party hosted by Shirley Hewitt, a former lady-in-waiting. James Hewitt, a charismatic cavalry officer in the British Army, was introduced to the Princess of Wales.
Popular retellings often claim Hewitt was hired as Diana's horse-riding instructor because she wanted to learn to ride. In truth, Diana already knew how to ride, but she sought a distraction and a sympathetic ear. She requested that Hewitt give her riding lessons at Kensington Palace, providing a convenient cover for them to spend time together away from royal aides and photographers.
In his memoir Love and War, Hewitt described the immediate attraction, noting Diana's vulnerability and warmth. At the time, Charles had already grown distant, reconnecting deeply with Camilla Parker Bowles. Left isolated within the royal household, Diana found comfort in Hewitt's civilian, unpretentious demeanor.
The Reality of Their Five-Year Relationship
From 1986 to 1991, the couple managed to keep their romance largely hidden from the public, though members of Diana's inner circle—including her royal bodyguard Ken Wharfe—grew suspicious. Trysts frequently took place at a remote cottage in Devon belonging to Hewitt's mother, as well as in London apartments.
During these years, the relationship went far beyond a casual fling. They exchanged dozens of intimate letters, shared meals, and discussed the immense pressures of living in the public eye.
However, the strain of secrecy took its toll. Diana's immense fame meant that any movement she made was tracked by the press, forcing Hewitt and the princess to take extreme precautions. They cooked meals indoors, avoided public venues entirely, and relied on trusted friends to shield them from exposure.
Why the Relationship Collapsed
The romance fractured in 1991 when Hewitt's military career intervened. He received a promotion and was stationed in Germany for a two-year tour of duty.
The physical distance exposed existing cracks in the relationship. Diana, dealing with mounting personal turmoil and the impending structural collapse of her marriage to Charles, expected constant availability. Hewitt's military obligations made that impossible. Diana eventually stopped returning his phone calls, effectively ending the romance just as the press began catching wind of rumors.
By 1992, Prime Minister John Major announced the formal separation of Charles and Diana. The royal spotlight intensified, pushing Diana's private life into unprecedented scrutiny.
Public Exposure and the Aftermath
The affair became public knowledge through a series of betrayals and media exposés. In 1994, after Hewitt left the British Army, media outlets began publishing detailed accounts of the romance.
The situation worsened when author Anna Pasternak published Princess in Love in 1994, a book heavily reliant on cooperation and interviews from Hewitt himself. Diana felt deeply betrayed by his decision to speak to the press.
In November 1995, Diana addressed the relationship directly during her landmark BBC Panorama interview with Martin Bashir. When asked about Hewitt, she offered a candid admission:
"Yes, I adored him. Yes, I was in love with him. But I was very let down."
That interview permanently altered how the British public viewed the monarchy, confirming that infidelity existed on both sides of the royal marriage.
Debunking the Paternity Myth
One persistent urban legend surrounding the affair is that James Hewitt is the biological father of Prince Harry. Tabloids and conspiracy theorists frequently point to Harry's red hair as supposed proof.
This claim is entirely false based on basic timelines:
- Prince Harry was born on September 15, 1984.
- Diana did not meet James Hewitt until the summer of 1986—nearly two full years after Harry was born.
- Harry's red hair is a prominent genetic trait from Diana's side of the family, notably traceable back to the Spencer family line.
Both Diana and Hewitt repeatedly confirmed that their paths did not cross until long after Harry's birth, permanently disproving the paternity rumors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did the affair between Princess Diana and James Hewitt last?
The affair lasted for approximately five years, running from 1986 through 1991. It concluded before Diana and Charles officially separated.
Did James Hewitt try to sell Diana's letters?
Yes. In 2003, Hewitt attempted to sell 64 personal love letters written to him by Diana, asking an estimated £10 million. Public backlash and legal interventions prevented the sale, and the letters remained out of circulation.
What happened to James Hewitt after the scandal?
Hewitt left the British Army in 1994. Following the intense media storm of the mid-1990s, he attempted various business ventures, including running a golf driving range in Devon, and largely retreated from public life. You can read more about royal history archives via the British Royal Collection Trust.
How did the public find out about the relationship?
While rumors circulated for years, the relationship became undisputed public record after author Anna Pasternak published a book detailing the romance in 1994, followed by Diana's confirmation on BBC Panorama in 1995. Learn more about broadcast history via the BBC.
