Princess Diana’s former lover, James Hewitt, 'fighting for his life' after heart attack and stroke

Former officer in the Household Cavalry is thought to be receiving treatment in intensive care

James Hewitt has firmly denied being Harry’s father (Getty Images )

Princess Diana’s former lover, James Hewitt, was rushed to hospital following a heart attack and stroke.

The 59-year-old is thought to be receiving treatment having been placed in intensive care after an emergency operation relating to a previous illness.

Mr Hewitt was initially believed to be at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth before being moved to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

He is thought to have suffered a cardiac arrest before a medical procedure and reports suggest he was fighting for his life.

Mr Hewitt is now apparently recovering and his family are hopeful he will pull through.

"He had a pre-existing illness, then got seriously ill. Suddenly it got very critical and he was rushed to hospital," a source said told the Sunday Mirror.

"It was pretty serious, but hopefully we're all OK now. He is recovering and has been moved to Exeter."

The former officer in the Household Cavalry had a five-year affair with Princess Diana which came to an end in 1991.

The affair was revealed by the Princess during an interview with BBC Panorama in 1995.

Mr Hewitt has been frequently forced to deny rumours that he is Prince Harry’s father.

The royal butler, Paul Burrell, refuted the accusation and said the pair did not meet until after Prince Harry was born – a claim Mr Hewitt has also often repeated.