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Queen Elizabeth II's eldest grandchild Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn have announced they are to divorce after 12 years of marriage.
The couple, who have two daughters, Savannah, 9, and Isla, 7, said their decision to separate was the "best course of action" for their children.
Phillips is the eldest son of Princess Anne, the queen's only daughter, and Captain Mark Phillips.
A statement issued on behalf of the Phillips family 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 statement continued, according to the Evening Standard.
"The decision to divorce and share custody came about after many months of discussions and although sad, is an amicable one. The couple'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.
"Peter and Autumn have requested privacy and compassion for their children while the family continues to adapt to these changes.
The divorce of the queen's first grandchild follows a tumultuous few months for the royal family, particularly the monarch.
Queen Elizabeth's third child, Prince Andrew, has been embroiled in scandal over his friendship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein died by suicide last summer while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking of minors.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, meanwhile, began 2020 with the bombshell news that they are stepping back as senior members of the royal family and intend to live a more private life split between North America and the U.K. They are currently residing in Canada.
Harry and Meghan said in January they plan to become financially independent, prompting speculation whether they might take on endorsement deals and advertising work.
Last month, Peter Phillips' own advertising work as the star of a milk commercial in China gained worldwide attention and prompted ridicule on social media.
The commercial features Phillips in a sprawling palatial estate and served a glass of milk. He declares to the camera: "This is what I drink."
According to Sky News, the queen's grandson is identified in a tagline as "British royal family member, Peter Phillips."
In a behind-the-scenes video from the commercial shoot, Phillips says: "As children, we used to spend a lot of time down at the dairy. There was a herd of cattle in Windsor, and we were brought up on it. It was also much more full of flavour and much creamier than other milks."
