Queen’s grandson Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn have split after 12 years

A statement has been issued.

The Queen's grandson Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn have split after 12 years. A statement confirming the news was issued on Tuesday morning on behalf of the couple. "After informing HM The Queen and members of both families last year, Peter and Autumn jointly agreed to separate," it said [via The Telegraph]. "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 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. 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." An insider told The Sun how Peter was left "devastated" after Autumn told him that she wanted to call time on their relationship.   “Peter is absolutely devastated by this and just didn’t see it coming. He thought he was happily married and had the perfect family with two lovely daughters. But he is now in total shock," they said. “Autumn is a wonderful wife and mother and a very intelligent woman but she’s been telling her friends for some time that there were issues," the source - who is said to be a pal - continued. “She 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.” Pals have said that no other party is believed to be involved in the split. “Certainly none of us think either Peter or Autumn are involved with anyone else," another friend noted.  “It just seems they have grown apart but it’s come as a bolt out of the blue for Peter and he’s very upset.”