In a statement published on Gwyneth’s website Goop.com, the couple revealed the sad news.
‘It is with hearts full of sadness that we have decided to separate.’
'We have been working hard for well over a year, some of it together, some of it separated, to see what might have been possible between us, and we have come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much we will remain separate.’
‘We are, however, and always will be a family, and in many ways we are closer than we have ever been.’
‘We are parents first and foremost, to two incredibly wonderful children and we ask for their and our space and privacy to be respected at this difficult time.’
‘We have always conducted our relationship privately, and we hope that as we consciously uncouple and coparent, we will be able to continue in the same manner.’
The couple married in December 2003 a year after they met backstage at a Coldplay concert.
It is understood that they met just 3 weeks after the death of Gwyneth’s father, who she was particularly close with.
The private couple are parents to 9-year-old daughter Apple and 7-year-old son Moses.
Last year a magazine interview, Gwyneth revealed that not all was well in paradise for the couple:
‘It’s hard being married,’ she said. ‘You go through great times, you go through terrible times. We’re the same as any couple.’
Gwyneth revealed in 2011 that she suffered from post natal depression following the birth of son Moses.