It was a story that made headlines across the globe: an Australian man named Simon Doronte-Day publicly claimed to be the hidden love child of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Nearly a decade since his first media appearance, his controversial allegations continue to stir fascination — and doubt.

Simon first appeared in the public eye in 2016, telling Australian media that he was born in 1966 and later adopted by a family allegedly connected to the royal household. His assertion? That Charles and Camilla, both teenagers at the time, had a child out of wedlock and quietly put him up for adoption to avoid scandal.

A controversial figure with a long legal trail

Simon Doronte-Day was born in England and adopted at eight months old before moving to Australia as a child. He claims his adoptive grandparents once worked for Queen Elizabeth II, and says that his adopted mother told him on her deathbed that he was the son of Charles and Camilla. He also alleges that his eye color was artificially changed from blue to brown, and that his teeth were filed down as a child — all part of a supposed effort to hide his royal origins.

In the years since, Simon has repeatedly called for a DNA test to prove his claims. He says those requests have been ignored by the royal household. At one point, he even said he planned to file a court order ahead of the royal couple’s 2024 tour of Australia, although that effort appeared to go nowhere.

Simon has shared photos online that he believes support his case — comparing his facial features to those of King Charles and Prince William. He’s also posted pictures of his daughter, Merian, arguing that her appearance further reinforces his claim of royal lineage. He insists that his fight is not about fame, but about truth.

Despite this, many elements of Simon’s story raise doubts. Historical records show that Charles and Camilla didn’t meet until 1971 — five years after Simon says he was born. At the time of Simon’s claimed birth in 1966, Camilla would have been 18 and Charles only 17. While technically possible for them to have had a child at that age, the timeline conflicts with their documented histories. Buckingham Palace has never commented on his allegations.

Still, Simon remains defiant. Now in his late 50s, he continues to pursue legal action — currently representing himself in two unrelated Supreme Court cases in Queensland. He insists his case for royal recognition remains active.

Looking for connection — and claiming one with Prince Harry

Simon has also drawn parallels between his story and that of Prince Harry. He describes both of them as “black sheep” of the royal family and says he sees a connection with the Duke of Sussex, particularly in how they’ve both been outsiders. In recent interviews, Simon has expressed admiration for Meghan Markle, likening her experiences to those of his own wife, and has offered public support for the Sussexes.

But while Simon has supporters online and claims to have gathered extensive research, the lack of official recognition or credible documentation has kept his story on the fringes.

For now, Simon remains a curiosity — a man on a personal mission, fighting a royal claim no one in the monarchy has ever acknowledged. Whether his case ever receives legal attention, or simply fades into royal folklore, remains to be seen.