In the end it took less than seven minutes for Earl Spencer to shake himself free of his marriage. But right to the last, the bitter divorce hearing threw up unwelcome surprises. The final act was put on hold for hours because lawyers made a mistake in one of a swathe of documents which would end the eight-year union between Princess Diana's brother and the former model, Victoria Lockwood.
But yesterday afternoon, after days of recriminations in and outside the court and then a midnight settlement, a South African judge dissolved the marriage.
Lord Spencer looked relaxed as he waited in court, perhaps because he had spent the previous evening unconcerned to be seen out with his latest girlfriend, model Ms Josie Borain. His wife of only a few more minutes was not in court. The Spencers wanted to keep the terms of the divorce secret but South African law required them to file a copy with the court library.
Lord Spencer will pay his former wife £1.8 million before next February along with letting her keep her South African home, a car and paying all her taxes for the duration of the marriage. In return, Lady Spencer agrees to retire from all Spencer family trusts and businesses. The couple will retain joint custody of their four children but Lord Spencer will pay maintenance, school fees, the cost of nannies and medical bills. Parts of the document were worded to suggest Lady Spencer may soon return to Britain. Her former husband has promised to make up any shortfall if she sells her South African home for less than £250,000.
Yesterday, Lord Spencer was called to the witness box for the final ceremony. He gave his name, took the oath and was asked if he had married in 1989. There was a moment's silence while his lawyer hunted for the marriage certificate.
After establishing that everyone agreed to the child custody arrangements, the judge dissolved the marriage. Lord Spencer left with a crowd of reporters at his back. A smile flickered across his face as he was asked about becoming a single man again.