Princess Diana’s ex-lover's new purpose after life-threatening health battle: 'I could see what was evil'

Britons feel 'ASHAMED' to admit they like Queen Camilla - 'Disloyal to Diana'

GB News
Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 31/03/2025

- 12:26

Diana confirmed the relationship in 1995

Princess Diana's former lover James Hewitt has revealed how a near-fatal stroke spurred him to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine, where he has been working for almost three years.

The 66-year-old former cavalry officer and tank commander has been travelling to the war-ravaged country with Operation SafeDrop, sometimes venturing close to the front line.


Hewitt explained that he was motivated to act after watching Russia's 2022 invasion on television.

He said: "I could quite clearly see what was good and what was evil."

Princess Diana's former lover James Hewitt

Princess Diana's former lover James Hewitt has revealed how a near-fatal stroke spurred him to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine, where he has been working for almost three years

Getty

He added: "Rather than shout at the television, I thought I'd try to help."

His humanitarian missions are particularly remarkable given his health struggles in 2017, when he suffered a stroke that left him paralysed down his left side.

Hewitt told the Sun: "I had a stroke, a septic embolism. It paralysed my left-hand side."

He also underwent heart surgery for a faulty valve, with doctors warning it was "touch and go" whether he would survive.

James HewittJames Hewitt has admitted to having an affair with Princess DianaPA

He said: "The times I was made aware of the seriousness, I was sort of resigned to the fact that my time had come."

Miraculously, Hewitt recovered and found new purpose in helping others.

He said: "I thought if I could get myself back on my feet, who knows what I could do."

Through Operation SafeDrop, run by John Lawler, Hewitt has delivered tonnes of aid ranging from water to medical equipment.

Princess DianaPrincess Diana sat down for the BBC interview in 1995Getty

Hewitt explained: "We're very flexible and nimble. We'll go to places that others don't or won't or can't."

He's been deeply moved by Ukrainians who have lost everything yet remain defiant.

Hewitt had a five-year affair with Princess Diana between 1986 and 1991 after meeting at a party.

Diana confirmed the relationship in 1995 during her infamous BBC interview with Martin Bashir.