Royal Watchers Noticed The Queen Has A Photo Of This Divorced Couple On Her Desk
When it comes to divorce, many watchers of the royal family believe that Queen Elizabeth is firmly against it. According to Showbiz CheatSheet, it appears that even if the queen was unhappy in her marriage to Prince Philip, she would not have divorced him. Many believe this firm mindset is based on her traditional values and how taboo divorce was when she was growing up.
However, there has been a recent shift in the royal family's beliefs about divorce. According to CNN, the family has recently opened their minds to the concept, with just over 40% of marriages ending in divorce as of 2016.
When it came to the troubling marriage between Princess Diana and Prince Charles, the queen actually encouraged the pair to separate. When Princess Diana famously said, "There were three of us in this marriage" regarding her husband's affair, it seemed like divorce was the best option for the former couple.
Now, it seems the queen is still holding on to precious memories of now divorced family members.
Queen Elizabeth kept a portrait of her divorced grandson and his wife in her home
While the Queen is the matriarch behind a major country, in the end, she is simply a proud grandmother. When the queen presented celebrated pianist Dame Imogen Cooper with Her Majesty's Medal for Music, a photo was taken that showed her collection of portraits of her grandchildren and their partners (via People). Even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle still have a place among the queen's photos. However, they are not the couple that caught the eye of royal watchers.
On the desk was a portrait of Peter and Autumn, the son of Princess Anne and his ex-wife (via Express). The couple split up back in February 2020, so either the queen is slow to remove photos, or the former couple still has a place in her heart.
When the couple separated, they released a statement that read, "Whilst this is a sad day for Peter and Autumn, they continue to put the wellbeing and upbringing of their wonderful daughters Savannah and Isla first and foremost." It continued, "Both Peter and Autumn are pleased to have resolved matters amicably with the children firmly at the forefront of those thoughts and decisions."
Peter and Autumn split on good terms
If you once found yourself wondering how a royal marriage could crumble, given how luxurious the lifestyle must be, you might have changed your tune after watching the scrutiny Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are constantly going through (via Good Morning America). Living life as a royal isn't as easy as it seems to the general public.
When it comes to Peter and Autumn's separation, it seems the couple split on good terms (via Town and Country). A statement made by the couple reads, "After informing HM The Queen and members of both families last year, Peter and Autumn jointly agreed to separate. They had reached the conclusion that this was the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship."
It continued, "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 will remain the continued well being and upbringing of their wonderful daughters Savannah (9) and Isla (7)."
The statement noted that both Peter and Autumn's families supported their decision. The pair also announced plans to remain in Gloucestershire, where they have lived for several years, as they continue to bring up their children.
Peter is believed to be the queen's favorite grandchild
It seems the queen took this separation harder than most. Still keeping a photo of a divorced couple in her home signals these two and their relationship meant a lot to her. According to the Mirror, Peter is rumored to be the queen's favorite grandson. Even Express notes that some members inside the family's camp also call Peter her favorite grandchild. Born to Princess Anne, due to a family tradition, Peter was born without a title. Title or not, he seems to have won over his grandmother's heart. The queen herself was even going to give him a courtesy title, but his parents declined it. It's not all that surprising that the queen would hold on to a photo of her favorite grandson on his wedding day, even if the marriage has ended.
If you were wondering if the queen has a least favorite grandchild, New Idea claims that Her Majesty is the least close to Prince William. She reportedly adores Prince Harry but does not seem to have a tight bond with the future king.