The Secret Marriage
Princess Diana’s dark secret was her hidden love affair with James Hewitt, a former British Army officer. The two met when Hewitt was a riding instructor for the royal family. According to Hewitt, their affair began in 1986, and it lasted for five years.
During that time, Princess Diana was still married to Prince Charles, and the couple was going through a difficult period in their marriage. Prince Charles had been unfaithful to Princess Diana, and she was struggling to cope with the pain of his infidelity. It was during this vulnerable period that Princess Diana found comfort in the arms of James Hewitt.
The affair became public knowledge in 1994, when a book titled “Princess in Love” was published. The book was written by Anna Pasternak, who had conducted interviews with Hewitt. In the book, Hewitt revealed intimate details about his relationship with Princess Diana, including the fact that they had a secret love child.
The Love Child Rumors
The rumors of a love child between Princess Diana and James Hewitt began circulating in the early 1990s. It was rumored that Hewitt was the father of Princess Diana’s youngest son, Prince Harry. The rumors were fueled by the fact that Prince Harry had red hair, which was not a trait shared by anyone in the royal family.
Princess Diana denied the rumors, and in a 1995 interview with BBC’s Panorama, she said, “There is no doubt about the fact that Prince Harry is my son.” However, the rumors persisted, and they took a toll on Princess Diana’s mental health.
The Impact on Princess Diana
The rumors of a love child and the public knowledge of her affair with James Hewitt had a profound impact on Princess Diana. She was already dealing with the fallout of her marriage to Prince Charles, and the added scrutiny and judgment were overwhelming.
In a letter to her butler, Paul Burrell, Princess Diana wrote, “I’m so tired, I’ve been in tears all morning. How much longer can this go on for? I can’t stand much more. It’s all too much for me.”
Princess Diana’s mental health deteriorated rapidly, and she was diagnosed with depression and bulimia. She also began self-harming, and in 1997, she famously sat down for an interview with Martin Bashir, where she said, “I had bulimia for a number of years. And that’s like a secret disease. It’s a repetitive pattern which is very destructive. It was my escape mechanism.”
The interview was a turning point for Princess Diana. She was able to share her struggles with the world, and it helped to humanize her in the eyes of the public. However, tragically, just a few months after the interview, Princess Diana died in a car crash in Paris.
The Legacy of Princess Diana
Princess Diana’s legacy is one of compassion, humanitarianism, and kindness. She was a trailblazer who used her platform to advocate for causes that were close to her heart. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, landmines, and mental health.
However, Princess Diana’s legacy is also marred by the rumors of her affair with James Hewitt and the love child rumors. These rumors were hurtful to Princess Diana, and they had a lasting impact on her mental health and well-being. It's important to note that there has been no credible evidence to support the love child rumors, and Prince Harry bears a strong resemblance to his father, Prince Charles.
Despite the controversies that surrounded Princess Diana during her life, she remains an inspiration to many. Her legacy lives on through her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, who have continued her humanitarian work and advocacy for mental health.
In conclusion, Princess Diana's dark secret of her affair with James Hewitt and the rumors of a love child were a difficult and painful chapter in her life. They added to the already immense pressure and scrutiny she faced as a member of the royal family. While Princess Diana's legacy is not without controversy, her impact on the world and her advocacy for important causes continue to inspire and influence people around the world.