The Prince of Wales had made a significant break from tradition by turning to the same legal team that represented his mother during her high-profile divorce.
In a notable shift in legal representation, Prince William has chosen Mishcon de Reya, the same legal firm that previously advised Princess Diana, to represent him and his family. This decision marks a significant departure from his past reliance on King Charles’s preferred legal advisers and sparked a stir among netizens.
The news was first reported on April 3, 2025, by Richard Eden, Daily Mail Diary Editor and broadcaster, who has covered royal affairs extensively.
Mishcon de Reya became closely tied to the late Princess Diana in the mid-1990s, during one of the most turbulent periods of her life, and managed her contentious divorce proceedings from Prince Charles in 1996.
They had built a strong reputation long before taking on Diana’s case, but none of their clients brought the same public visibility as the Princess of Wales. The connection had been made through Lord Palumbo, who introduced Diana to Lord Mishcon.
Managing Partner at the time, Anthony Julius—now Deputy Chairman—handled the case alongside Lord Mishcon. Their work shaped the outcome of Diana’s divorce and elevated the firm’s profile in unprecedented ways.
Now, in a decision that has stirred considerable buzz, Prince William has chosen to work with the same firm. This ends his long-standing relationship with Harbottle & Lewis, known for representing the Royal Family for decades and notably defending them during the 2006 phone-hacking scandal.
According to a source, “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.”
Although Kensington Palace has declined to comment, William’s decision has reportedly disappointed Harbottle & Lewis and especially senior partner Gerrard Tyrrell, a trusted adviser to King Charles.
As news of this legal shift surfaced, many people voiced their thoughts online. While nothing has been revealed about a possible divorce in William’s future, netizens couldn’t help but speculate.
One person simply wrote, “Saw this coming.” Another appeared more worried, commenting, “Oh no. Hope it’s not true. Princess Catherine was very well liked by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles too. William would be crazy to leave Princess Catherine. Just like King Charles maybe [sic].”
Some questioned the report’s accuracy, “This has to be nonsense.” Meanwhile, others expressed uncertainty, with one remarking, “I’m unsure about what’s happening.👀”
One person clarified, “It’s just a firm of lawyers to represent him in any matters.He [sic] is not divorcing!” Another added, “To have different lawyers from his Dad as wants [sic] to make his own path. End of.”
Others offered their support, “Good for him.” Still, some questioned the move, with one asking, “Not sure I understand why POW would need to make this change. Has there been a problem with BP lawyers?” And another hinting at deeper reasons said, “Well… why do you think??”
This isn’t the first time this year that William has caused a heated buzz online. As reported previously, the 42-year-old visited Sporting Khalsa Football Club (FC) in Willenhall, England, on March 11, 2025, for a Football Association (FA) campaign to recruit 1,000 referees from diverse backgrounds. While the visit promoted inclusivity in the sport, netizens had mixed reactions to his appearance.
The crowd cheered as the Prince of Wales arrived, looking sharp in a navy blue coat over a light blue shirt. His closely trimmed beard and short-cropped hair completed the look.
Prince William at Sporting Khalsa FC in Willenhall, England | Source: Getty Images
Smiling, the 42-year-old royal engaged with well-wishers, spoke with a woman with bright red hair, and placed a hand on her shoulder in a friendly gesture while onlookers took photos.
Prince William visits an FA Referee Training Course at Sporting Khalsa FC in Willenhall, England, on March 11, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Images from the visit quickly spread online, drawing mixed reactions. Many compared William to his late mother, Princess Diana. One user commented, “He doesn’t need hair, he has Diana’s smile! 🙌.”
Prince William smiles during a farm safety roundtable in Angus, Scotland, on February 6, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Another admired his big heart and expressions, saying they reminded them of Diana. Someone else noted that he shares her warmth and charisma, adding that they were grateful those were the traits he inherited.
Princess Diana accepts a gift from a child during a walkabout in Brecon, Wales, on October 29, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
One supporter found his gesture amusing and appreciated how he made sure a woman got her selfie, calling him “the best.” Another loved how William effortlessly brings joy to those around him.
Prince William joins a lesson and speaks with participants at an FA Referee Training Course at Sporting Khalsa FC on March 11, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Some also praised his ability to joke about his hair without awkwardness. Another simply complimented his bearded look with a heart emoji.