In celebration of the Duke of Sussex's 30th birthday, royal biographer Penny Junor has made a notable return to the Daily Mail to pen a series of sensational stories focusing on the youthful prince.
The book is nothing short of captivating, brimming with juicy details and anecdotes about the Duke's reckless binges and womanizing exploits. However, one particular line stands out to royal enthusiasts in Junor's account. According to Junor, back in 2003, the now-defunct tabloid News of the World took the extraordinary step of testing a hair sample of the Duke of Sussex to determine whether he was actually the son of Diana's ex-lover, James Hewitt.
For a long time, Fleet Street buzzed with rumors suggesting that the Murdoch-owned tabloid had conducted DNA testing on the Duke of Sussex's hair. Now, Junor and the Daily Mail are prepared to publish the story openly, adding a layer of intrigue to an already fascinating tale. It is worth noting the significant legal nuances in play here: one cannot slander someone who has passed away, and it seems the Daily Mail has likely concluded that a defunct publication like News of the World won't cause them any legal trouble. This revelation adds an extra dimension to Junor's account as it touches upon the ethical and legal considerations surrounding such a sensational story.
According to Junor's detailed recounting, News of the World even went so far as to have the Duke of Sussex's hair DNA tested in February 2003. This bold move by the tabloid was rooted in persistent rumors and public fascination with the paternity of the Duke of Sussex. If the results had indicated that the Duke was indeed the son of James Hewitt, the public would almost certainly have been informed. The implications of such a revelation would have been immense, potentially altering the public's perception of the royal family.
Interestingly, the person who leaked details of Hewitt's long-term romance with Princess Diana to the press was none other than James Hewitt himself. This adds a layer of complexity to the story as it intertwines personal relationships with public intrigue. There is also a slight physical resemblance between Hewitt and the Duke of Sussex, which has fueled speculation over the years. However, it is also true that Hewitt bears a strong resemblance to Diana Spencer's relatives, adding another layer of complexity to the question of the Duke's paternity.
The story, as recounted by Junor, is a fascinating blend of personal drama, public intrigue, and legal maneuvering. It offers a glimpse into the complex and often tumultuous world of the British royal family, shedding light on the lengths to which the media will go to uncover and publish sensational stories. This particular account, with its focus on DNA testing and the question of paternity, adds a unique and compelling chapter to the ongoing saga of the Duke of Sussex.