The one-time butler of Princess Diana Paul Burrell may be seeking advice from divorce solicitors in Cheshire soon, as he has announced his separation from his wife Maria.
The pair have been married for 32 years, sticking together during the difficult and controversial times in his former employer’s life, including the Princess of Wales’ untimely death in 1997.
In an official statement from Burrell’s spokesperson given to MailOnline, it said: “Paul and Maria Burrell would like to end any speculation over the past few days by confirming that they are currently going through a divorce.”
It was added that the decision was mutual, and their two grown-up sons – Alexander and Nicholas – continue to remain their priority.
While the couple have only just announced their divorce, they have been living separate lives for several years.
Paul, 57, has become a florist, running a flower shop in Farndon, Cheshire, while Maria, 62, moved to their home in Florida six years ago.
They bought the property near Orlando in 2004, after Paul released his biographical memoir called A Royal Duty, featuring information about his time working as Princess Diana’s butler.
He has since gone on to star in several reality TV shows, including coming second in the 2004 series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!. He has also appeared on Australian Princess, Countdown, Stars In Their Eyes and Celebrity Big Brother.
The length of the Burrells’ marriage and having two children together is likely to mean the terms of their divorce could be long and complicated, unlike the formal separation of rapper Professor Green and Quality Street heiress Millie Mackintosh.
The celebrity couple were granted a quick divorce in 30 seconds last week, less than three years after getting married in September 2013.