Crown Prince Leka II and Crown Princess Elia Zaharia of Albania are taking steps to end their marriage.
In a new post on social media, the head of the Albanian royal family confirmed their separation after eight years of marriage.
“Through this post, I am officially informing you that Prince Leka and Elia Zharaia have agreed to end their marriage,” the statement on Instagram on Monday read via translation.
“Since the marriage has lost its function, they decided to resolve it by mutual consent by initiating the necessary legal procedures.”
The announcement also noted that the spiritual and physical well-being of their 3-year-old daughter, Princess Geraldine, “will remain the focus of their dedicated attention to ensure a happy and safe life.”
In a separate social media post – which has since been deleted – Elia reportedly further confirmed the split.
“Friends and friends, I have to inform you that today we have started legal procedures to settle our marriage, as we have decided together to seek a divorce,” she wrote on the social network via Hello!.
“This is not at all a reality that makes me happy, because I believe in family values as the most valuable thing.
I would never choose for my daughter to grow up with separated parents, but sometimes separation is the only option.”
“The most important thing is that my little girl experiences this moment as easily as possible,” the statement continued.
“To all of you who wrote and gave me courage, thank you so much! Even through these difficult months I have been through, your kindness has given me strength.
I wish you health and happiness in your families.”
Back in 2016, the former couple shared a fairytale wedding in the former royal palace in Tirana.
But last October, Leka was photographed solo at the royal wedding of Princess Maria Francisca de Braganza and Duarte de Sousa Araujo Martins in Portugal.
It is unclear whether Elia’s title as Crown Princess of the Albanians will change after the divorce.
