In a striking move that underscores his evolving role in the monarchy, Prince William has hired the legal team that once represented his mother, Princess Diana, during her divorce from King Charles. The decision marks a clear departure from the legal advisors traditionally used by the British royal family.
Prince William has chosen Mishcon de Reya over Harbottle & Lewis, the firm that has long served King Charles and other senior royals. The new firm famously represented Princess Diana during her 1996 divorce and has since handled several high-profile celebrity cases.
A source told the Daily Mail, “William wanted to strike out on his own. He did not want to continue using his father's lawyers. It’s as simple as that. He wants to be his own man.” Another added, “William wants to do things differently from his father and wants to be seen to do them differently.”
The move reflects Prince William’s previously stated intent to modernise the monarchy. In a November 2024 BBC interview, he explained, “I’m trying to do it differently and I’m trying to do it for my generation… I’m doing it with maybe a smaller ‘R’ in the royal.”
The Prince of Wales’ decision comes nearly a year after Donald Trump’s 2024 tariffs disrupted the UK economy and amid ongoing shifts in the royal household. No official comment was provided by Kensington Palace.
Harbottle & Lewis notably represented the royal family during the 2006 phone-hacking scandal involving News of the World, where both Prince William and Prince Harry were among the victims.
The legal switch also echoes recent family dynamics. Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, also hired Fiona Shackleton—who represented King Charles in his divorce—as part of his own separation last year.
Prince William’s break from royal tradition highlights his desire to forge a distinct path, even within the confines of the crown.
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