James Hewitt used to steal the late Princess Diana’s heart even while she was married to King Charles in the 1980s. The affair was rumoured and only confirmed after their romance ended as a result of career dispositions. Here are 10 interesting facts about James Hewitt.
Did Princess Diana love James Hewitt? Absolutely. She was distraught about his choice to continue answering his government’s call through military assignments. Still, she returned to her married life, but not without regret of never fully exploiting what the world could be like with James as her secret lover.
James Hewitt’s romance with the now-deceased Princess Diana was an undeniably controversial period in the lives of the secret lovebirds. Below are ten interesting facts about James Hewitt, the man who had a Princess around his fingers while it lasted:
James Hewitt is a British man
James was born on April 30, 1958, in Derry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, and christened James Lifford Hewitt. His father was John Hewitt, who was in the Royal Marines, while
his mother was Shirley Stamp. He attended Norwood Preparatory School, Exeter, and Millfield School before going on to study at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
He had a successful military background and career
Hewitt’s father, John Hewitt, a captain in the Royal Marines and an Olympic pentathlete, set the tone for his future in the British army. James towed his family’s military tradition and was accepted into
the Brigade of Guards after completing his studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Hewitt was a cavalry officer in the British Army and rose to the rank of tank commander during the Gulf War.
Meeting Princess Diana
Who was Princess Diana’s true love? Although married to King Charles until their divorce in 1996, it is evident that her heart was with a certain British man in the king’s army. According to both parties, their affair was ignited by a natural
conversation that began at the event. Being drawn to each other, they decided to see each other more often, with Hewitt offering to give the married princess riding lessons to aid her triumph over her phobia of horses.
James Hewitt secretly dated Diana for half a decade
The romance between Hewitt and Diana started in 1986 and ended around 1991. The breakup was due to Hewitt’s military deployment to Saudi Arabia. This became a bane on their
communication and affair while meeting up at an old house allegedly owned by Hewitt’s mother, Shirly. Diana’s feeling of betrayal was rumoured, as she could not understand how her lover could choose work over her.
James’ secret lover affair inspired him to become an author
After retiring from the British army, James co-authored a book entitled Princess in Love with Anna Pasternak. The book documented his adulterous affair with Diana and left the whole of Britain, especially the royal family, reeling in second-hand embarrassment. The late Princess would later confirm the affair in a BBC interview.
James struggled with keeping a career outside of the British army
After retiring from the military, Hewitt attempted to do something with his life by venturing into various businesses, starting a golf course and later opening a bar in Marbella, Spain. Both businesses were eventually closed down due to difficulties. He is rumoured to have found respite in gardening.
He has appeared on Reality TV shows
James also channelled his inner actor, appearing on reality TV shows, such as Celebrity X Factor and Top Gear. He was a winner on the Channel 5 show titled Back to Reality.
James tried to make money off Diana’s Love Letters
Hewitt allegedly tried to sell the love letters Diana wrote to him during his time in the Gulf War. He once suggested the temptation of paying enormous prices for the letters, although he confirmed his intention to keep the letters till death.
James suffered and survived a heart attack and stroke in 2017
Hewitt has had his fair share of misfortune, as he was arrested for drug possession in 2004. He also talked about contemplating suicide, but the biggest yet was when he was down with a heart attack followed by a stroke in 2017. He, however, underwent emergency surgery and was hospitalized for around a month before complete recovery, after which he went back to living with his mother in Devon.
James is not known to have been married
Did James Hewitt ever marry? no mention of the former Princess Diana’s lover walking the aisle with a woman to be called his wife. As such, no one has the title of James Hewitt’s wife, and neither are there any James Hewitt children.
James Hewitt is still alive and will celebrate his 66th birthday in 2024. Beyond that, he has maintained a reasonably quiet lifestyle. Hope you enjoyed these 10 interesting facts about James Hewitt.
