Queen’s grandson and his wife to divorce

Peter Phillips, the Queen’s grandson, and his wife Autumn have announced their decision to divorce. In a statement, they explained that this decision is “the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship.” The couple has confirmed their separation and will share custody of their daughters, Savannah (9) and Isla (7).

Both families are “sad” but “fully supportive” of the decision to co-parent, the statement added. The couple informed the Queen and other Royal Family members of their decision last year.

Peter Phillips, 42, is the son of Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips, and is the eldest grandchild of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

“The decision to divorce and share custody came about after many months of discussions and although sad, is an amicable one,” the statement read. It also requested privacy and compassion for their children as the family adapts to these changes.

Peter Phillips met Canadian management consultant Autumn Kelly, 41, at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal in 2003 while he was working for the Williams Formula 1 team.

The couple married in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in 2008, the same venue where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would wed ten years later. They raised their children in Gloucestershire.

Before the wedding, Autumn Phillips renounced her Catholic faith, allowing Peter Phillips to retain his right to the throne under the rules of royal succession, which were later changed.

Although Peter Phillips is a member of the Royal Family, he is not a working royal and does not hold a title. Recently, he appeared in a Chinese television advert endorsing milk from Jersey cows.

Additionally, on Tuesday, the Queen was photographed at King’s Lynn station in Norfolk, returning to London after her winter break at Sandringham.