Princess Diana’s Ex Shuts Down Rumors He Fathered Prince Harry

It’s been nearly 20 years since Princess Diana’s tragic death and so much about her life remains unclear. Rumors continue to swirl about her love interests and more, the most poignant of which calls into question the paternity of Prince Harry.

James Hewitt, who had an affair with the late princess in the late 80s, was asked about the two having a child together during an appearance on Australia’s “Sunday Night.” Rather than back down from the question or beat around the bush, he seized the opportunity to put false stories to bed. Hewitt claimed questions about him being Prince Harry’s father had been damaging, more so for the young royal.

“No, I’m not,” he said. “It sells papers. It’s worse for [Harry], probably, poor chap.”

According to Page Six, this isn’t the first time Hewitt has spoken on rumors he’s Harry’s real father. He and others close to Diana have said that he came into Harry’s life when he was already a toddler. In fact, his affair with the beloved royal is said to have begun in 1986 — two years after Harry was born.

Paternity questions aren’t the only rumors circulating about Princess Diana to this day. Paul Burrell, who served as a butler to the princess, recently squashed rumors about a same sex orgy that allegedly took place on the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1981. Despite claims to the contrary from his agent, Burrell insists no such event ever took place — at least, not in his presence.

“I would like to unequivocally distance myself from the gutter quotes, attributed to my representative, that are not only unacceptable but totally misrepresent me,” Burrell told Daily Mail. “I will review how and why this ‘pitch’ ever came to pass without my knowledge.”