The relentless paternity rumors surrounding Prince Harry have been firmly dispelled in a new revealing book by Princess Diana's former hairdresser, Richard Dalton.
This memoir not only refutes the speculation linking Harry to James Hewitt but also details the emotional toll it took on the royal family. New York Post reported.
For decades, the British tabloids have buzzed with allegations that Prince Harry’s real father was not King Charles, but Major James Hewitt, with whom Princess Diana had an affair. This theory hinged mostly on the red hair shared by Hewitt and Harry, ignoring the fact that red hair is a common trait in Diana's own family. Richard Dalton's memoir, "It's All About the Hair," aims to set the record straight.
Dalton emphasizes that Harry was born in 1984, two years before Diana even met Hewitt in 1986. This timeline alone challenges the credibility of the rumors. He further clarifies that the affair between Diana and Hewitt did not begin until 1989, continuing until 1991. During this period, Diana awarded Hewitt a polo trophy and even took up riding lessons with him despite her disinterest in the sport.
The book reveals that Diana embarked on riding lessons with Hewitt as she was “starved of affection and intimacy” from Charles, her then-husband. Dalton describes Diana’s growing closeness with Hewitt during a vulnerable time in her marriage. She saw the affair as a comforting escape, receiving the attention and companionship she greatly lacked at home.
In an act of literary collaboration, Dalton worked closely with Renae Plant, curator of The Princess Diana Museum, to ensure an accurate representation of events and emotions felt by Diana during these challenging years. These insights present Diana not just as a royal figure, but as a woman facing profound personal turmoil.
The public speculation over Harry’s paternity was a source of distress for the prince. Harry himself addressed these hurtful rumors in a 2023 legal document, commenting on their damaging impact and acknowledging his late awareness of his mother’s timeline with Hewitt. He stressed the cruelty of the rumors and how they compelled him to question the motives behind the stories.
James Hewitt has consistently denied being Prince Harry's father, calling the rumors baseless and recognizing the greater impact they had on Harry. He described the situation as particularly unfortunate for Harry, who bore the brunt of public and media scrutiny.
Despite these denials, the rumors persisted, skewing public perception and contributing to a misunderstood chapter in the lives of those involved. Interestingly, even King Charles made light of these speculations, which were mentioned in Harry’s memoir, revealing the complex dynamics within the royal family concerning this sensitive issue.
Moreover, Harry’s legal confrontations with the press underscore his strained relationship with the media. In 2023, he won a significant legal battle against Mirror Group Newspapers, where he was awarded over $180,000. These legal actions reflect his ongoing struggle to correct misinformation and defend his and his family’s privacy.
Dalton’s narrative not only focuses on debunking myths but also sheds light on the intimate moments he shared with Princess Diana. He recounts light-hearted exchanges that provide a glimpse into their rapport, like the moment he jokingly linked the depletion of the ozone layer to Diana’s use of hairspray, highlighting her humorous and inquisitive nature.
This memoir serves as a poignant reminder of the human aspect of royal lives, often overshadowed by their public roles. By addressing these rumors head-on, Dalton hopes to honor Diana’s legacy and support Harry in overcoming the shadows of his past.
The release of "It's All About the Hair" promises to offer an insider’s perspective to the fans and followers of the royal family, ensuring that the truth prevails and that the memories of Diana are respected and understood free from the bias of sensationalist media.
