Queen’s ‘favourite grandson’ Peter Phillips to split from wife of 12 years

The Queen’s grandson Peter Phillips is reportedly set to split from wife Autumn after 12 years of marriage.

According to an exclusive report by UK tabloid The Sun, Princess Anne’s son has been left “devastated” after Autumn, 41, told him she wants to call time on their relationship.

A source told the newspaper: “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.”

Reports also suggest that Autumn is considering moving back to her native Canada, spurred on by the recent decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to step away from royal life and forge a new path in North America. However the royal family is yet to confirm any of the claims.

Peter, who is often referred to as Her Majesty’s favourite grandson, married Autumn at Windsor Castle in 2008, five years after they first met at the Montreal Grand Prix where they were both working.

The couple, who live on the Gatcombe Park estate, share daughters Savannah, nine, and Isla, seven, both of whom were bridesmaids at Princess Eugenie’s wedding.

Peter, 42, and Autumn do not hold royal titles and are not working members of the royal family, meaning they receive no wage from the royal coffers and do not carry out duties on behalf of the Queen.

Peter, whose sister is Zara Tindall, runs his own sports management business, while Autumn is believed to be employed by her husband’s firm as a secretary.

However they are often seen at special occasions such as the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, which is held each year to mark the Queen’s birthday, and their children are believed to be close to the Queen’s other great-grandchildren.

Peter was last seen with his grandmother Queen Elizabeth last month as he accompanied her to a church service in Sandringham, just days after Prince Harry and Meghan made their bombshell announcement.