Palace Makes Split Official
Buckingham Palace confirmed Thursday that Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York, the former Sarah Ferguson, are separating after 5 1/2 years of marriage.
The duchess reportedly is expected to gain custody of the couple’s daughters--Beatrice, 3, and Eugenie, who will be 2 this month--and gain a substantial living allowance in exchange for her silence on the details of their marriage.
Here is the text of the official palace statement:
“In view of media speculation which is especially undesirable during a general election campaign, the queen has authorized the following statement to be made:
“Last week, lawyers acting for the Duchess of York initiated discussions about a formal separation for the Duke and Duchess.
“These discussions are not yet complete, and nothing more will be said until they are.
“The queen hopes that the media will spare the Duke and Duchess of York and their children any intrusion.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
