between Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

"My wife and I heard the news with great sadness,'' he said. `Hopefully, it is the beginning of a period of less Press attention to the domestic affairs of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

"I hope that they'll be able to get on with the job of bringing up their family and getting on with their public duties.'' The Governor said the Prince and Princess had been under intense pressure from the Press.

"It's always a matter of great sadness when a couple feel the need to separate. They have my deepest sympathy,'' he said.

The Governor said he was comforted by the fact that Royal couple would continue to have friendly relations -- a disposition that boded well for their children.

Lord Waddington was also slightly heartened by the fact that the Prince and Princess had decided to separate and not divorce.

"The thing about separation is that it always holds out the hope of a reconciliation in the future, and the parties getting together again.''