Prince Michael defends marriage

Prince Michael of Kent dismissed speculation about the state of his marriage, saying although he and his wife spend a "lot of time apart" they have a "tremendous" relationship.

The Queen's cousin, who has been married to Princess Michael for 32 years, said their separate interests made for a "richer" life together.

He said: "I think people put two and two together and make five. We spend a lot of time apart. The princess is a writer and she likes to get to write.

"We both have different interests and, although some coincide, this makes for a much richer life than always doing the same thing.

"So we have a tremendous married life and we enjoy practically all of it."