Prince Harry's Red Hair: Tracing Its Royal Roots And Debunking Myths

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is instantly recognizable not just for his royal status but for a striking feature that has become his signature: his fiery red hair. This distinctive trait has captivated public interest for decades, sparking conversations about its origins, its place in royal lineage, and whether his own children, Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana, have inherited the famous ginger gene. Far more than just a hair color, Prince Harry's red locks tell a story of family legacy, historical connections, and even the occasional persistent rumor.

The Iconic Red Hair: A Defining Royal Trait

From his early childhood days, Prince Harry's vibrant red hair set him apart. It’s a color that stands out in official portraits and candid photographs alike, making him easily identifiable and contributing significantly to his public persona. For many, his red hair is synonymous with his approachable and often rebellious spirit, a visual characteristic that distinguishes him within the traditionally more reserved aesthetic of the British royal family. This unique feature has made him a subject of fascination, prompting questions about its genetic journey through the royal family tree.

Tracing the Roots: The Spencer Legacy

One of the most frequently asked questions about Prince Harry's appearance revolves around the origin of his red hair. Many observers, noting that neither his father, King Charles III, nor his mother, the late Princess Diana, were redheads, have wondered where this striking trait came from. The answer lies firmly within his mother's lineage, the Spencer family.

Dispelling the Parental Mystery

It has been a big question to many as to where Prince Harry inherited his ginger hair when none of his parents, Princess Diana and King Charles, are redheads. The Duke of Sussex, however, inherited his distinctive red hair from the Spencer family, the family of his mother, Princess Diana. This genetic link is well-documented within the Spencer lineage. It is a little known fact that Princess Diana’s three siblings also carried the gene for red hair, or displayed red hair themselves, further solidifying the Spencer connection. Prince Harry has always been likened to Princess Diana’s side of the family, namely for his red hair which is a Spencer trait. Looking at Diana’s older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, one can see the clear family resemblance and the presence of the ginger gene within that branch of the family.

Royal Ancestors with Red Hair

While the Spencer family is the direct source of Prince Harry's red hair, the color itself isn't entirely new to British royalty. History shows that ginger locks have appeared in various royal lines over centuries. HELLO! has taken a look back at some of Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice's ancestors with red hair, including prominent historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth I and King Henry VIII. This historical perspective adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting that while the Spencer family passed the gene directly to Harry, the presence of red hair within the broader royal tapestry is not unprecedented, albeit perhaps less common in recent generations.

The James Hewitt Rumor: A Persistent Myth

For years, a persistent and often sensationalized rumor has circulated regarding Prince Harry's paternity. There are rumors that Prince Harry is Princess Diana’s son from her lover James Hewitt. The speculations sprang from the Duke of Sussex and Hewitt’s similar red hair. This theory gained traction primarily due to the superficial resemblance in hair color between Harry and Hewitt, who also has red hair.

However, this rumor has been widely debunked and dismissed by credible sources, including Hewitt himself, who has publicly stated that his relationship with Princess Diana began long after Prince Harry was born. The genetic evidence, as discussed, points definitively to the Spencer family as the source of Harry's red hair. The Spencer trait is a well-established fact, making the James Hewitt rumor a baseless speculation fueled by a superficial observation rather than scientific or historical accuracy. It serves as a reminder of how easily physical traits can be misinterpreted and lead to unfounded claims, especially when concerning public figures.

Archie and Lilibet: Do They Have the Ginger Gene?

The question of whether Prince Harry's children, Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana, inherited his signature red hair has been a topic of immense public curiosity since their births. Initially, many royal watchers and fans hoped and even assumed that the ginger gene would be passed down, creating a visible link to their famous father.

Early Speculations and Observations

There was a widespread belief, and indeed, initial reports suggested that Prince Harry passed on his signature red hair to children Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana! This weekend, for instance, Harry and Meghan’s Christmas card prompted conversation about both Archie and Lilibet having inherited Harry’s red hair amongst those of us who take interest in royal family updates. These early glimpses, often from a distance or through limited photographic evidence, led to hopeful speculation that the famous ginger locks would continue into the next generation.

Recent Revelations and Visual Evidence

However, as Archie and Lilibet have grown, and more visual information has become available, the narrative has shifted. Recent observations, such as a sweet baking moment shared by the family, prompted fans to notice something else: it appears both Archie and Lilibet no longer have their dad’s fiery red hair. While we don’t always see their children’s faces clearly in every public appearance or photo, the available evidence suggests a different outcome.

Based on the limited photographic evidence available, it appears neither Archie nor Lilibet has inherited Prince Harry’s red hair. Both children seem to have darker hair, likely a brown or black. This observation aligns with recent statements from Prince Harry himself. Although the exact context isn't always detailed, Prince Harry inherited his famous red hair from the Spencer side of his family, and it looks as though his children have the ginger gene, too. However, he recently revealed that his children's hair color is not quite the same as his own. For instance, The Duke of Sussex, 38, appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he likely touched upon aspects of his family life, including his children's evolving appearances. While the ginger gene is present in the Spencer line, and therefore potentially in his children, it appears to be recessive in their visible hair color, at least for now.

Conclusion: The Enduring Fascination

Prince Harry's red hair remains one of his most distinctive and beloved characteristics, a visual emblem of his connection to the Spencer family and a unique identifier within the British monarchy. While its origins are firmly rooted in his mother's side of the family, debunking persistent myths like the James Hewitt rumor, the fascination continues with the next generation.

Despite early hopes and initial observations, current photographic evidence and recent revelations suggest that Archie and Lilibet have not inherited their father's fiery red hair, instead displaying darker shades. Regardless of whether his children carry the visible trait, Prince Harry's iconic red hair continues to be a subject of public interest, a testament to the enduring allure of royal genetics and the personal stories they tell.