Months of speculation over the marriage of the couple in charge of Castle Howard finally came to a head today.

Simon and Annette Howard in the grounds of Castle Howard

It was reported that the Hon Simon Howard and his wife Annette, who is known to her friends as Scruff, are to divorce.

A statement issued today from Castle Howard said: "The Howards, who have been married for 15 years, know that the ending of a marriage is always a very difficult matter and they feel strongly therefore that they do not wish to discuss this very private situation publicly.

"They wish to resolve the matter amicably and have asked that the media respect their privacy. No further statement will be issued."

Only yesterday, the Evening Press carried an interview with Annette Howard in which features writer Maxine Gordon dubbed her the "queen of Castle Howard".

Last September, Mr Howard gave an exclusive interview to the Evening Press in which he attacked "malicious" rumours about the future of his marriage and of the 10,000-acre Castle Howard estate.

At that time, he said he felt he should put an end to the gossip that he and his wife were to divorce.

He went on to categorically deny rumours that Mrs Howard was seeking an £8 million divorce settlement and that he may have to sell some of the stately home's contents - or even the house itself.

Mr Howard married the then Countess Annette Compton at Malton Register Office in November, 1983.

The wedding was later blessed in a ceremony in the chapel at Castle Howard.

Mr Howard, the third son of the late Lord Howard and the late Lady Cecilia Howard, was educated at Eton and studied fine art before attending the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester.

Mrs Howard, who is now in her 50th year, is some seven years older than her husband. The couple have no children.

The 300th anniversary of the Sir John Vanbrugh-designed stately home is being celebrated this year with a Tercentenary exhibition and a number of special events.

Castle Howard found fame under another name among TV viewers when it was chosen as the setting for the adaptation of Brideshead Revisited.

It is set to be inherited by Mr and Mrs Howard's 13-year-old nephew, George.

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