Regal Separation

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO -- ESPECIALLY FOR A prince and princess. This schism even warranted a statement from the floor of the House of Commons by the Prime Minister, who formally set some of the terms for what is, practically, the end of the 11-year marriage of Charles and Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Reading from a Buckingham Palace statement to a hushed chamber, John Major explained that the couple would not divorce but would lead separate lives, carrying out their royal duties on independent schedules and getting together only for the most important public occasions. They will share in the upbringing of their children, Princes William, 10, and Henry, 8.

The separation is not expected to alter the constitutional status of the royal couple: Charles remains next in line for the throne. Diana can still expect to become Queen, said Major, drawing murmurs of confusion from the House. Perhaps the coronation could be shown on split screen. (See related story on page 50.)