Divorce is typically the last option for many couples after they try all means to reconcile. Until recently, it was typically unheard of for royal couples divorcing, with the exception of Henry VIII who had 6 wives, two of whom he divorced.
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However, recently, several couples from various royal families have divorced over the years, one of the most famous being King Charles divorcing Princess Diana in the 1990s. A couple from the Albanian royal family have decided to go their separate ways after 8 years of marriage.
As we learn about this couple’s divorce, why not have a look at all the royal couples that have divorced recently?
The Albanian royal family is experiencing a divorce
As reported by Hello!, Crown Prince Leka II and Crown Princess Elia of Albania are divorcing after being married for 8 years. The couple tied the knot in 2016 and share a 3-year-old daughter.
The Albanian royal family shared a statement on social media on Monday, January 15 that Crown Prince Leka II and Crown Princess Elia had mutually decided to go their separate ways. The statement reads, as per Hello!:
Through this post, I officially inform you that LTM Princ Leka and Elia Zaharia have agreed to end their marriage. Since the marriage has lost its function, they have seen the way to resolve it by mutual consent by starting the necessary legal procedures
Adding that the couple’s daughter, Princess Geraldine is their top priority:
Despite the trust in the institution of the family, LTM Prince Leka II believes that the values of mutual respect and understanding will form the basis of the relationship in its continuity, which will have as its motive the growth and education of LSM Princess Geraldine!!!
The spiritual and physical well-being of the girl, LSM Princess Geraldine, will remain at the center of their attention, dedicated to ensuring a happy and safe life for Geraldine.
Crown Prince Leka is the head of the Albanian royal family, and his now ex-wife, Crown Princess Elia was an actress and singer before entering the Albanian royal family.
Which other royal couples have divorced?
Among the first in more recent times to divorce is Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s sister. Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960, however, due to infidelity rumours and Margaret seen with her alleged lover, Roddy Llewellyn, the couple divorced in 1978.
One of the most famous divorces is the one between then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The two married in 1981 and had two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. The two separated in 1992 and their divorce was not final until 1995.
Princess Anne has also been married before. In 1973, the Princess Royal married Mark Phillips and had two children, Zara and Peter. The two divorced in 1992 after separating in 1989. Princess Anne went on to marry Sir Timothy Laurence in 1992.
Prince Andrew, as many know, divorced his wife, Sarah Ferguson. The couple got married in 1986 and welcomed two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Again, in 1992 - a rough year for Queen Elizabeth - the couple announced their plans to divorce. Andrew and Sarah’s divorce was not finalised until 1996 and they surprisingly still live together.
One of the most recent divorces is Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s son, and his now ex-wife, Autumn Phillips. The two tied the knot in 2008 and welcomed two children, Savannah Phillips and Isla Phillips. In 2020 the couple announced they were separating and the divorce was finalised in 2021.
The British Royal Family have seen many divorces but they are not the only ones. Prince Louis and Princess Tessy of Luxembourg married in 2006. Prince Louis had given up all rights to the throne. However, the couple divorced 10 years later.
The Danish royal family has also experienced divorce. Indeed, Queen Margrethe’s niece, Princess Nathalie of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg divorced Alexander Johannsmann in 2022. The couple had married in 2010 just two months before the birth of their first child.
Read more:
⋙ Royal Family net worth: How much richer are the British compared to the Danish?
⋙ These are the biggest causes of divorce, as per new study
⋙ Rumours about Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson remarrying emerge: Could it actually happen?
Sources used:
Hello!: ‘Royals announce shock divorce after eight years of marriage - statements’
Cosmopolitan: ‘Kay, Way More British Royals Have Gotten Divorced Than You Might Expect’
Hello!: ‘Royals announcing marriage breakdowns: From King Charles' amicable split to Peter Phillips' secret separation’
Tatler: ‘Danish princess finalises her divorce after 12 years of marriage’
