The true paternity of the Duke of Sussex has been a topic of widespread interest and speculation ever since he emerged as a notable figure in the British royal family.
This intrigue is largely driven by his striking red hair, which stands out among his family members. Public curiosity about this matter has never waned, with many people fascinated by the possibility of an alternative lineage. At the heart of this speculation is Princess Diana's well-documented romantic involvement with James Hewitt, a former British Army officer and riding instructor.
According to various accounts, their relationship began in 1986, although some suggest it might have started earlier. This has led to persistent rumors and questions about whether the Duke of Sussex could be the result of this extramarital affair. James Hewitt has consistently denied any involvement in the Duke's parentage, emphasizing that he had not even met Diana at the time of the Duke's birth. During her lifetime, Princess Diana also addressed these rumors, insisting that the Duke's red hair was a Spencer family trait, not a result of her relationship with Hewitt.
Despite these denials, public fascination with the topic continues unabated. Comparisons between images of James Hewitt and the Duke are frequently circulated online, fueling ongoing debates and speculation. In 2003, a British tabloid claimed to have conducted DNA tests on the Duke, which reportedly showed no connection to Hewitt. Nonetheless, the idea of DNA testing within the royal family has been a subject of interest and rumor for years. It is said that Prince Charles's paternity was tested in the mid-1990s under pressure from the royal family, although these claims remain unconfirmed.
Historical anecdotes suggest that Princess Diana requested a blood sample from the Duke under a different pretext, keeping him unaware of the true reason behind the test. This indicates that suspicions about his paternity may have been present even within his family circle, adding another layer to the intrigue. There have been rumors that the Duchess of Sussex has encouraged the Duke to explore his family history more deeply. Recent reports indicate that the Duke has indeed been delving into his genealogy, inspired by the Duchess's own interest in her ancestry. This renewed focus on their family trees has reignited public interest in the subject.
Throughout all these developments, the question of the Duke's paternity remains a captivating topic for many. The ongoing comparisons, rumors of secret DNA tests, and historical context all contribute to the enduring mystery.