DIVORCE DOMINOES

THE QUEEN IS LEFT RATTLED BY DIVORCE DOMINOES

ROYAL FLUSH ANOTHER COUPLE BITES THE DUST

Forget about an “annus horribilis” –for the Queen it was a horrible week when two members of her family publicly announced just six days apart that they were divorcing. After the shock news about grandson Peter Phillips splitting from his wife Autumn, the royals were again rocked when the Queen’s nephew, the Earl of Snowdon, revealed he and wife Serena were going their separate ways after 26 years of marriage. A statement released last week said, “The Earl and Countess of Snowdon have amicably agreed that their marriage has come to an end and that they shall be divorced.” The couple wed in October 1993 and have two children, Charles Armstrong-Jones (20), now Viscount Linley, and Margarita Armstrong-Jones (17). David (58), who became the Earl of Snowdon in 2017 after the death of his father Antony Armstrong-Jones, is the eldest child of the Queen’s late sister, Princess Margaret. He’s believed to be close to his aunt. Known by his professional name of David Linley, he is a furniture maker whose company produces high-end bespoke pieces. He has created the interiors for a number of British mansions, written books about home styling and given lectures around the world. Serena (49), the daughter of the Earl of Harrington, had her own shop selling scented candles and soaps from France, but it closed in 2014. A source says, “David and Serena have agreed that their marriage has broken down, they have in effect been living separate lives for some time.” Another royal insider adds, “The news will be a bitter pill to swallow for Her Majesty as the family continues to suffer from a tumultuous start to the year.” Peter (42) and Autumn (41) pulled the plug on their 12-year marriage after deciding “it was the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship”, according to their spokesman. The couple are parents to daughters Savannah (9) and Isla (7). “The decision to divorce and share custody came about after many months of discussion and David and Serena married in 1993 at Westminster’s St. Margaret’s Church (left) and have two children together, Margarita and Charles (above). Right: Peter and Sir John Key at the Halberg Awards. Below: With the Silver Ferns, ISPS Handa’s Team of the Year.