Chantal Hochuli, Princess of Hanover, Announces Divorce from Prince Ernst August

Socialite and former model cites irreconcilable differences as reason for split

Couple had been married for 26 years and have two children together

Chantal Hochuli, the Swiss socialite and former model who was married to Prince Ernst August of Hanover for 26 years, has announced that the couple are divorcing.

In a statement released through her lawyer, Hochuli said that the decision to divorce was "difficult and painful" but that she and her husband had come to the "mutual agreement" that it was the best course of action.

The couple married in 1981 and have two children together, Prince Ernst August Jr. and Princess Alexandra. Hochuli is also the stepmother to Prince Ernst August's son from his first marriage, Prince Christian.

The reason for the divorce is not known, but sources close to the couple have said that they had been having problems for some time. Hochuli has also been linked to another man, German businessman Thomas Lauterbach.

The divorce is a major blow to the Hanoverian dynasty, one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe. Prince Ernst August is the great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last emperor of Germany, and the head of the House of Hanover.

Hochuli's divorce is also a reminder of the challenges faced by many high-profile couples in the public eye. The couple's relationship has been under constant scrutiny from the media, and they have often been the subject of speculation and gossip.

In her statement, Hochuli asked for privacy during this difficult time. She also said that she would not be making any further comments about the divorce.