Britain: Sir Mark Thatcher and his wife, Diane, are to divorce on the grounds of an "irretrievable breakdown", the couple announced yesterday.
The son of the former British prime minister will base himself in Europe, while his American ex-wife will live in the US with their children Michael (16) and Amanda (12). The couple cited a "difficult year" in which Sir Mark was convicted in South Africa of involvement in a failed coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea and had his visa to the US rejected. The couple said they were committed to the future well-being of their children. Baroness Thatcher said: "I am saddened by this news, but it is a private matter so I shall make no further comment."
A spokesman for the couple said no further statement would be forthcoming from either party.