Princess Diana's love letters to James Hewitt 'could go to auction for £780k'

09 March 2024 , 23:01

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Princess Diana reportedly had an affair with James Hewitt spanning five years (Image: Ron Dadswell/REX/Shutterstock)

Love letters penned by Princess Diana to lover James Hewitt could reportedly be sold for up to £780,000 in what has been dubbed a "final insult".

The 64 letters were said to have been written to the ex-military officer between 1989 and 1991. Mr Hewitt claimed he had previously offered the letters as "collateral" for a £500,000 loan.

The decorated former cavalry officer had an affair over several years, while the late-Princess was still married to King Charles. It's understood the pair shared letters while he served in the Gulf War.

The letters, which disclosed intimate details of the pair's relationship and were thought to potentially cause hurt and embarrassment to the Royal Family if published, could be sold after an undisclosed US auction house reportedly lined up a wealthy interested buyer.

Her letters are said to be of a private and intimate nature (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

James Hewitt's reprasentatives have denied any intention of selling the letters (REX/Shutterstock)

However, representatives for Captain Hewitt have denied he has any intention of selling them, claiming he was merely interested in valuing the documents, reportedly penned in Diana's distinctive script, according to The Sun. He had also reportedly considered selling the letters in both 2003 and 2015. Ingrid Seward, author of royal book 'My Mother and I', said: “James Hewitt’s betrayed Diana in so many ways, so this is just the final insult. I presume Hewitt desperately needs the money and he sees the value in these letters."

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She added: “It is unthinkable these notes for such a sensitive time in her life could become public.” Heritage Auctions was reportedly approached in October with the letters, but declined to sell them. A separate, rival auction house was also reportedly approached, but refused to value the letters.

A spokesperson for Hewitt told The Sun on Sunday: “Heritage Auctions was approached on behalf of a representative of James Hewitt solely to value and authenticate the letters for personal reasons and insurance purposes. He has no intention to sell and is not soliciting offers to buy.”

Susie Beever