James Hewitt

James Lifford Hewitt (born 30 April 1958) is a former cavalry officer in the British Army. He came to public attention in the mid-1990s after he disclosed an affair with Diana, Princess of Wales, while she was still married to then-Prince Charles. Early life Hewitt was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, where his father, 1952 Olympic pentathlete John Hewitt, was stationed with the Royal Marines. He grew up in Kent and Devon. His mother, Shirley Stamp, was daughter of a London dental surgeon who lived in Devon. Hewitt was educated at Norwood Preparatory School in Exeter before going to Millfield, a public school, in Street, Somerset. Career Military After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Hewitt was commissioned into the Life Guards, British Army, on 8 April 1978 as a second lieutenant. He was promoted to lieutenant on 8 April 1980. He transferred from a short service commission to a special regular commission on 1 October 1981. He was promoted to acting captain on 8 October 1984. On 21 October 1985, he transferred from a special regular commission to a regular commission. In 1991, he served as a Challenger tank squadron commander in the Gulf War. He was mentioned in despatches "in recognition of service during the operation in the Gulf" in June 1991. He failed the exam for promotion to major three times.