The Queen's 'favourite' grandson Peter Phillips is splitting from his wife of 12 years Autumn, the couple have confirmed.
Peter Phillips, Princess Anne's son, and wife Autumn have confirmed they have separated, saying it was "the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship".
A statement issued on their behalf said: "After informing HM The Queen and members of both families last year, Peter and Autumn jointly agreed to separate.
"They had reached the conclusion that this was the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship.
"The decision to divorce and share custody came about after many months of discussions and although sad, is an amicable one.
"The coup le's first priority will remain the continued well being and upbringing of their wonderful daughters Savannah (nine) and Isla (seven).
"Both families were naturally sad at the announcement, but fully supportive of Peter and Autumn in the joint decision to co-parent their children.
"Both Peter and Autumn have remained in Gloucestershire to bring up their two children where they have been settled for a number of years.
"Peter and Autumn have requested privacy and compassion for their children while the family continues to adapt to these changes."
The Queen is said to be 'very upset' about the separation.
Canadian-born Autumn will not return to her home country, but will remain in Gloucestershire where they will co-parent their children.
A pal told The Sun: "Peter is absolutely devastated by this and just didn’t see it coming.
“She (Autumn) is a favourite of the Queen and I’m sure Her Majesty will be very upset by this as well.
“It’s the last thing she needs after all her recent troubles and you get the feeling that the Royal Family is falling apart a little bit.”
The source told The Sun that Autumn had been telling friends there were issues in the relationship for some time.
Peter was recently criticised for starring in a milk advert in China, with many arguing it undermined the image of the royal family.
It fuelled the 'royals for rent' debate which sprang out of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to pursue 'financial independence'.
The couple are speculated to have earned up to £775,000 ($1million) by attending a recent "billionaire's summit" hosted by JP Morgan in Miami where Prince Harry spoke about mental health and therapy.
