It’s official: Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, and his wife of 12 years Autumn, are getting a divorce.
A spokesman for the couple confirmed the royal split in a statement to The Australian Women’s Weekly.
The spokesman revealed that while the couple is separating, Peter and Autumn will continue to co-parent their children together, and clarified that rumours of Autumn’s supposed move to Canada are wildly inaccurate.
The couple currently lives in Gloucestershire, UK, a stone’s throw from Peter’s sister Zara Tindall and his mother Princess Anne, and they will continue to reside in the area.
Peter and Autumn informed Her Majesty The Queen and members of both of their families last year, but since they are not senior royals, rather private individuals, the separation was not formally announced by Buckingham Palace.
The couple have two children together and will continue to amicably co-parent them together.
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The royal couple pictured at Royal Ascot last year.
(Credit: Getty)But following media speculation, the couple’s own office has released the following statement:
“Peter and Autumn Phillips 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 statement read.
“The couples 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 Autumn and Peter will remain in Gloucestershire to bring up their two children where they have been settled for a number of years. Peter & Autumn have requested privacy and compassion for their children while the family continues to adapt to these changes.”
The Phillips’ with their two daughters, Isla and Savannah.
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Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Autumn Phillips and Peter Phillips at the 2019 Braemar Highland Games last September in in Braemar, Scotland.
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The family captured during a low-key, off-duty moment.
(Credit: Getty)Peter and Autumn married in 2008, and along with their two daughters, have had active roles in some of the biggest royal events of the decade.
Eagle-eyed royal fans might remember their daughter Savannah’s viral moment during 2018’s Trooping the Colour, when she held a hand over Prince George’s mouth to “shush” him.
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Autumn has always spoken warmly of the royal family, telling CBC in a 2016 interview: “They’re just a family, they’re happy, they have great relationships with each other… they’re very close.”
Phillip and Autumn were last seen together in September 2019, when they attended the Scottish Braemar Games alongside the Queen and Prince Charles.
The family appearing to enjoy their day watching some of the day’s fanfare, including hammer throwing, caber tossing and even a tug of war.
