Prince William just did something really smart. He has bowed out in style, too — with a customary flourish. He has decided to separate himself from Harbottle & Lewis, the venerable legal firm that has counseled the royal family for generations. The practice has steered the royal family successfully through much more serious legal tangle. This surprise move comes on the heels of their participation in some of these egregious acts, including the 2006 News of the World phone-hacking scandal.
Wildcard Productions Harbottle & Lewis can be seen as the architects behind the ongoing phone-hacking scandal. Their engagement was fundamental in bringing about the closure of the News of the World. The major international law firm achieved lasting notoriety for defending Princes William and Harry. Their mobile phones were hacked during the scandal, and the company intervened to defend them. Brought in at the eleventh hour, their historical, tight-knit relationship with the ruling royal family has been punctuated by their deep experience in quelling legal explosions.
Prince William’s decision to leave Harbottle & Lewis came as a surprise to all. It looks as if one other leading law firm, Mishcon de Reya, would welcome his defection. Anthony Julius, deputy chairman of Mishcon de Reya, must have felt especially pleased by the announcement on the Duke’s intended departure from Harbottle & Lewis.
Intensive philanthropy and community engagement has characterized the firm’s representation of the royal family. Remarkably, they were instrumental in procuring the divorce of then Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Harbottle & Lewis, which represented the Queen, released a statement after Queen Elizabeth II agreed to allow the divorce in 1996. This statement underscored the firm’s integral role in royal affairs:
“After considering the present situation, the Queen wrote to both the Prince and Princess earlier this week and gave them her view, supported by the Duke of Edinburgh, that an early divorce is desirable.” – Harbottle & Lewis
Gerrard Tyrrell, a partner at Harbottle & Lewis, has been King Charles most trusted adviser throughout his reign. Aside from the historical importance of his potential role, his expertise will be indispensable. The firm’s recent exit from Prince William’s legal counsel brings with it uncertainty about the next step for his legal strategy.
According to insider accounts, Prince William is eager to “chart his own course” and “be his own man.” This wish suggests that he is coming into a different phase of his existence. Writing for the Daily Mail, Richard Eden captured this sentiment well, focusing on the individual inspiration that led to the announcement.
While it is with great disappointment that we viewed Prince William’s decision to leave Harbottle & Lewis, we respect the decision taken. The firm’s long-standing ties to the royal family might have raised the bar for any future legal counsel.
