Sir Paul McCartney and his wife of four years, former model and anti-landmine advocate Heather Mills, are separating.


The couple have said in a joint statement:

"Having tried exceptionally hard to make our relationship work given the daily pressures surrounding us, it is with sadness that we have decided to go our separate ways,"
"Our parting is amicable and both of us still care about each other very much but have found it increasingly difficult to maintain a normal relationship with constant intrusion into our private lives, and we have actively tried to protect the privacy of our child," the statement continued.
"Separation for any couple is difficult enough, but to have to go through this so publicly, especially with a small daughter, is immensely stressful. We hope, for the sake of our baby daughter, that we will be given some space and time to get through this difficult period."

The U.K. press has reported recently that McCartney and Mills have been living apart in the past few weeks. Mills's rep at first denied any problems, telling PEOPLE,

"She's getting a new leg fitted, and she's in Hove, near where she's having it done. Paul's being very supportive."

NBC News reported Wednesday morning that Mills, who has said McCartney turned down her offer to sign a prenuptial agreement, could claim as much as a quarter of McCartney's estimated $1.5 billion fortune.


Ohh I bet his wishes he'd signed it now !