A palace spokesman said the decision was based on a falloff in business from the duke, who originally granted his endorsement in 1956.

A palace spokesman responded: "I'm not terribly sure what they want - waxwork dummies?"

A palace spokesman said she was in "excellent health."

"It is a woman's prerogative," a palace spokesman told the paper.

A palace spokesman said: 'We do not comment on speculation in newspapers.

"All members of the royal family are very pleased with the news," a palace spokesman said later.

There is an explanation, issued repeatedly these days by palace spokesmen.

A palace spokesman declined today to comment on this incident.

A palace spokesman, speaking on background, denied that the incident had any significance.

The only thing that was certain, a palace spokesman said today, was that a divorce would take place.