In a significant departure from royal norms, Prince William has chosen to part ways with the long-standing legal representatives of the British royal family and hired the legal team that once represented his late mother, Princess Diana, during her high-profile divorce from King Charles III.
According to reports by Daily Mail, the Prince of Wales, 42, has ended his association with Harbottle & Lewis, the legal firm that has traditionally represented the royal family for years. Instead, he has engaged Mishcon de Reya, one of the UK’s leading law firms, in a move that signals his intent to forge an independent path.
Why Prince William Made the Change
Sources close to the royal household suggest that Prince William’s decision stems from his desire to break away from his father’s legal team and establish his own legal counsel.
“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,” a source told Daily Mail.
The insider further emphasized that William is determined to do things differently from King Charles III, adding that he is “more than willing to shake up the status quo behind palace doors.”
Princess Diana’s Former Lawyer Joins William’s Team
One of the most notable figures joining Prince William’s legal team is Anthony Julius, the deputy chairman of Mishcon de Reya and the lawyer who represented Princess Diana during her 1996 divorce from then-Prince Charles.
Julius, known for his expertise in high-profile divorce cases, had a longstanding professional relationship with Diana. He also served as vice president and a founding trustee of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund until its dissolution in 2012.
A Look Back at King Charles and Diana’s Divorce
King Charles and Princess Diana’s marriage ended in 1996, a year before Diana tragically died in a car crash in Paris. The couple, who had married in 1981, had been living separately since 1992.
In December 1992, then-British Prime Minister John Major officially announced their separation in the House of Commons, stating, “This decision has been reached amicably, and they will both continue to participate fully in the upbringing of their children.”
Princess Diana’s divorce settlement included a large financial package and restrictions on her future royal activities, though she retained the title of “Princess of Wales.”
What This Means for the Future of the Royal Family
Prince William’s latest move indicates his willingness to step away from long-standing royal traditions as he prepares for his eventual role as king. His decision to hire a different legal firm could reflect broader changes in the way he intends to manage royal affairs, setting himself apart from the legacy of his father.
While no official statement has been issued by Kensington Palace, this development marks yet another shift in the evolving dynamics of the British royal family.
Sources By Agencies
