Princess Diana’s Former Hairdresser Speaks Out in New Memoir, Addressing Long-standing Speculation
In a startling new memoir that sheds light on one of the most persistent rumors surrounding the British Royal Family, Princess Diana’s former hairdresser, Richard Dalton, has come forward to address speculation about Prince Harry’s paternity. The book, titled “It’s All About the Hair,” offers intimate insights into the late Princess’s life and categorically refutes claims that James Hewitt, Diana’s former riding instructor, could be Harry’s biological father.
The rumor mill silenced
For years, tabloids and gossip columns have fueled speculation about Prince Harry’s parentage, pointing to physical similarities between Harry and James Hewitt, particularly their red hair. However, Dalton’s memoir presents compelling evidence to counter these claims.
“It’s not possible,” Dalton told Fox News Digital. “It was tough… Harry was already born a while before her relationship with Hewitt. And I don’t think it’s possible.”
Genetic heritage explained
Dalton, who had a close relationship with the Princess and the royal family, offers a simple explanation for Harry’s distinctive features:
- Princess Diana’s siblings, Charles and Sarah, both have “bright red hair”
- The red hair trait is common in the Spencer family
- Dalton personally cut Charles Spencer’s hair during his college years
“Harry and the Spencer family have red hair. Charles, Diana’s brother, had bright red hair when he was (in) college,” Dalton revealed, adding that Sarah, Diana’s sister, also has bright red hair.
Timeline discrepancies
The memoir provides crucial context to debunk the rumors:
- Prince Harry was born in 1984
- Diana and Hewitt first met in 1986, two years after Harry’s birth
- Their relationship lasted from 1989 to 1991
Dalton’s book offers a poignant glimpse into Diana’s reaction to these rumors. “Diana used to get very upset over the reports of Hewitt being called Harry’s father,” he writes, emphasizing the personal pain caused by such speculation.
On the record
Both Prince Harry and James Hewitt have previously addressed these rumors:
- Prince Harry’s Statement: In a written statement during a legal proceeding, Harry said, “At the time of this article and others similar to it, I wasn’t actually aware that my mother hadn’t met Major Hewitt until after I was born.”
- James Hewitt’s Denial: In 2002, Hewitt stated unequivocally, “There really is no possibility whatsoever that I am Harry’s father. I can understand the interest, but Harry was already walking by the time my relationship with Diana began.”
A call for respect
Dalton’s memoir serves not only as a historical record but also as a plea for respect for the late Princess Diana and her family. By providing clear, factual information, he hopes to put these damaging rumors to rest once and for all.
As the royal family continues to navigate public scrutiny, this latest revelation underscores the enduring impact of Princess Diana’s life and the complex legacy she left behind. It also highlights the responsibility of media and public figures in addressing sensitive topics surrounding the royal family with accuracy and empathy.