Albon, who is adopted, made the point in court documents that not knowing the identity of his birth parents – and having what he considers an incorrect birth certificate himself – had “eroded his sense of self”.

He said he wanted to guard against the same thing happening to this child, and was not seeking any responsibility or looking to spend time with the child.

However, Sir Andrew said it was likely that Albon might “seek to assert himself as an active parent” as he had done on a previous occasion.

He added: “The impetus for doing so would be entirely self-driven by Mr Albon’s views, and not moderated by any insight towards, or empathy for, the mother.”

A court report said the proceedings had caused the child’s mother “considerable anxiety” and it had been the “hardest experience of her life”.

In the judgment Sir Andrew said, external: “I fully accept that ‘vulnerable’ is, sadly, and apt description of her position, both in terms of her internal resources and the situation in which she finds herself with respect to Mr Albon.”

He said Albon’s application was dismissed “on the ground that to grant it would be manifestly be contrary to public policy”.