Queen Elizabeth's eldest grandson, Peter Phillips, and his wife Autumn are getting divorced

Even royal couples can get divorced, and that's the unfortunate news about Queen Elizabeth's eldest grandson, Peter Phillips, and his wife Autumn, revealed in a statement by their spokesperson

Peter is the son of Princess Anne -- the Queen and Prince Philip's daughter -- and Mark Phillips. He is the older brother of Olympian Zara Phillips.

The royal couple jointly agreed to separate after informing the Queen and family members last year, their spokesperson Gerard Franklin confirmed on Tuesday

"They had reached the conclusion that this was the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship," the statement read. "The decision to divorce and share custody came about after many months of discussions and although sad, is an amicable one."

The couples first priority would remain "the continued well-being and upbringing of their wonderful daughters," Savannah, nine, and Isla, seven.they said

"Both families were naturally sad at the announcement but fully supportive of Peter and Autumn in the joint decision to co-parent their children," the statement continued.

The couple will both continue to live in Gloucestershire, where they have been settled for a number of years.

The Phillipses are not senior royals but decided to release the statement after press speculation around the marriage.