The News
Prince Harry’s Paternity Claims Under Fire: James Hewitt Steps Forward
In a dramatic twist to the ongoing saga surrounding Prince Harry's parentage, James Hewitt has publicly reaffirmed his claim that he is Harry's biological father.
This revelation came during a recent court testimony where DNA results were presented to support his assertions, igniting fresh debates and controversies within the British royal family.
Harry, who has long denied rumors suggesting that Hewitt is his father, faced criticism from Hewitt for allegedly distancing himself from his true family roots.
The former cavalry officer expressed disappointment over Harry's refusal to acknowledge him, suggesting that financial motivations may be at play.
Hewitt's claims have reignited discussions about the complex family dynamics that have surrounded Harry since childhood.
The prince's fears about tabloid journalists seeking to prove Hewitt as his father were laid bare in a witness statement released on Tuesday.
This marks a significant moment in royal history, as Harry became the first senior royal to testify and be cross-examined in an open court in over 130 years.
His testimony comes amid ongoing legal battles against the publishers of the Daily Mirror, which he accuses of obtaining information through illegal means.
Harry detailed numerous articles that he believes were based on illicitly acquired information, including voicemail hacking.
One particularly notable article from 2002, titled “Plot to Rob the DNA of Harry,” reported on a supposed scheme to steal his DNA for testing amid swirling rumors concerning his paternity.
These rumors gained traction after his mother, Princess Diana, admitted to having an affair with Hewitt during her infamous Panorama interview.
Reflecting on the impact of these rumors, Harry stated that many newspapers had propagated the idea that Hewitt was his biological father.
He revealed that he was unaware of his mother's relationship with Hewitt until years later, learning about it only around 2014.
This delay in understanding left him grappling with feelings of hurt and confusion, especially given the context of losing his mother just six years prior.
The prince described the distress caused by the relentless media scrutiny, emphasizing how damaging the stories felt at such a vulnerable time in his life.
He questioned the motives behind the narratives, wondering if the tabloids aimed to cast doubt on his legitimacy and potentially oust him from the royal family.
In his memoir, Harry elaborated on the invasive nature of the press, recalling instances where reporters allegedly sought his DNA to validate their claims.
The memories of his mother's struggles with the media haunted him, leading to a sense of intimidation and fear that he would become the next target in their relentless pursuit.
Harry's arrival at the High Court was marked by a sense of anticipation.
Dressed in a dark suit, he greeted reporters before stepping into the courtroom.
His demeanor reflected the gravity of the situation as he prepared to face cross-examination from MGM's attorney, Andrew Green, known for his formidable reputation in the courtroom.
Though Harry had initially planned to attend court the previous day, he missed the session due to celebrating his daughter's second birthday in California, prompting a reprimand from the judge.
His absence underscored the personal challenges he faces while navigating the complexities of royal duties and family life.
As the proceedings unfolded, Harry's lawyer laid out allegations of systematic surveillance conducted by MGM, which he claimed led to the breakdown of relationships in Harry's life.
This included accusations that the media's invasive tactics contributed to his mother, Diana, feeling paranoid and isolated during her life.
With each passing day in court, the tension surrounding Harry's testimony mounts.
As he continues to recount the impact of media intrusions on his life and family, the public watches closely, eager to see how this chapter in the royal narrative will unfold.
The stakes are high, not just for Harry but for the entire royal family, as they grapple with the enduring effects of tabloid culture and public scrutiny.