James Hewitt is in a serious condition after suffering a heart attack and stroke, reports say. The former Army officer, 59, is receiving treatment in hospital following emergency surgery and he is expected to stay there for a few weeks while he recovers. The Sunday Mirror revealed the news, which will come as a shock to many. The paper reports that James’ friends said he initially became ill two weeks ago and was taken to Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital for specialist treatment. He was later transferred to the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital.
James Hewitt is known for his five-year affair with Princess Diana between 1986 and 1991, after they met at a London party. Diana famously confirmed the affair in her 1995 interview on Panarama. A relative told the Mirror of James’ condition: ‘The family were concerned. He had a pre-existing illness, then got seriously ill. Suddenly it got very critical and he was rushed to hospital.” The family member went on to say that James is recovering and he is hopefully now OK. James had been living with his mother Shirley in an Exeter flat prior to falling ill.
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It has been a turbulent few years for James. Just weeks ago he gave an interview denying that he is Prince Harry’s real father, rumours which have followed him for years. In 2004, he was arrested for possessing cocaine but was given a warning. In 2003 James attempted to sell 64 personal letters from Princess Diana for £10million, a move which was widely criticised. James has also appeared on TV shows. In 2006 he starred on The X Factor: Battle of the Stars celebrity show in a singing duet with Rebecca Loos. He made another appearance on Top Gear the same year.