Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have settled with Archie Harrison in Canada since relinquishing their royal roles. While there were fears the youngster would have little contact with his British family growing up, another split could bring him closer to his royal relatives.

Queen Elizabeth II’s eldest grandson Peter Phillips, 42, is separating from his Canadian wife Autumn, 41, after 12 years of marriage.

The couple confirmed their divorce in a statement issued via a spokesman on Tuesday.

The spokesman said: “They had reached the conclusion that this was the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship.

“The decision to divorce and share custody came about after many months of discussions and, although sad, is an amicable one.

“The couple’s first priority will remain the continued well-being and upbringing of their wonderful daughters, Savannah and Isla.

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

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Montreal native Autumn married into the royal family in 2008 after dating Peter for five years.

The couple’s two daughters Isla, 7, and Savannah, 9, both have dual British-Canadian citizenship.

Despite fears Autumn may choose to return to Canada full-time following the divorce, the statement confirmed she would remain in Gloucestershire where the family are currently based.

The spokesman added: ”Both Peter and Autumn have remained in Gloucestershire to bring up their two children where they have been settled for a number of years.”

While Isla and Savannah will be raised in the UK there is a chance their mum could spend more time in her homeland in future.

If Autumn does end up visiting Canada more often her daughters may go with her, where they could have the chance to bond with Archie Harrison.

Meghan and Harry have settled in a mansion on Vancouver Island following their step down from royal life.

While there were fears Archie may be isolated from his royal relatives growing up, he could grow close to Isla and Savannah if they end up spending more time in Canada.

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• Peter Phillips and wife Autumn officially split – statement in FULL

Peter and Autumn are the first royal couple in their generation to divorce.

Peter is the Queen’s eldest grandchild and news of the split is said to have “upset” the matriarch.

The Queen has been married to Prince Philip for more than seven decades and as head of the Church of England is particularly averse to divorce.

All of the Queen’s children bar Prince Edward have been through divorces.

The last royal couple to split were Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson whose divorce was finalised in 1996.

Their divorce came after Princess Diana and Prince Charles marriage ended in the same year.

Peter Phillips’ mother Princess Anne divorced from his father Captain Mark Phillips in 1992.

The couple requested “privacy and compassion” for their children while the family continues to adapt to the changes.

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