Lord Nicholas Windsor, the youngest son of the Duke and late Duchess of Kent, is reportedly separated from his wife, Paola, Lady Nicholas Windsor, though the couple will not pursue a formal divorce due to their religious beliefs.
An insider told The Daily Mail that the couple, who married in 2006 and share three children, have been living apart for some time. “It’s very sad, but the couple have been separated for some time,” the source said.
The insider added that their decision is deeply influenced by their faith and values. “They no longer attend family events together. Both are very conservative and dislike divorce, so apparently they will never actually get divorced.”
Lord Nicholas Windsor, a devout Catholic, converted to Roman Catholicism in the 1990s. His faith has shaped much of his public life, including his vocal opposition to abortion and strong adherence to Catholic teaching, which does not permit divorce. Lady Nicholas, born Paola Doimi de Frankopan, also comes from a Catholic family.
Their stance sets them apart from other senior members of the Royal Family, many of whom have divorced in the past. King Charles divorced Princess Diana before marrying Queen Camilla, and Prince Andrew divorced Sarah Ferguson in the 1990s. The decision by Nicholas and Paola reflects a more traditional view, rooted in religious conservatism rather than modern royal precedent.
Friends of the couple say the separation, though private, has been noticed at family gatherings. Their absence together at events has fueled speculation, which insiders now confirm stems from their marital separation.
The couple married in a Vatican ceremony in Rome, highlighting their strong Catholic ties from the beginning. At the time, the marriage attracted attention as one of the few royal weddings to be held at the heart of the Catholic Church.
While they remain legally married, the choice not to pursue divorce means their relationship status is unlikely to change formally. Those close to the family describe the situation as painful but consistent with their shared beliefs.
The Windsor family has not publicly commented on the matter, and both Nicholas and Paola continue to maintain a low profile. Their separation, however, underscores the contrast between different branches of the Royal Family, where tradition and modern practice often diverge.
For now, Lord and Lady Nicholas Windsor’s decision reflects a personal conviction to remain bound by faith, even as their lives apart continue.