- The warring couple had been gearing up for a court battle over their fortune
- But they made a private agreement and signed divorce papers at hearing today
- A judge welcomed the news that they would not be fighting the case
Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone and her husband James Stunt were divorced today at a five-minute court hearing, avoiding a protracted battle over their estimated £5.5billion fortune.
The warring couple signed a decree nisi, which was approved by Judge Robin Towson QC at a hearing at Central London Family Court.
The judge said he was ‘delighted’ the couple had come to an agreement ahead of planned two day hearing, adding: ‘I congratulate the parties.’
Mr Stunt said after the hearing: ‘I am devastated that my marriage has broken down. I love Petra and our children.’
Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone and her husband James Stunt (pictured earlier this year) have signed a decree nisi signalling their divorce
He added: ‘I hope the press respect our privacy now as we carry out our most important responsibility of being mother and father to our wonderful children.’
Ms Ecclestone and Mr Stunt had been expected to fight over their £158million mansion in Los Angeles and a Grade II-listed home in London’s Chelsea, worth up to £100million.
At a hearing earlier this year, the family court was told Mr Stunt signed a prenuptial agreement worth £16million.
The couple married six years ago at a multi-million-pound ceremony at Odescalchi Castle, Rome, when they and 350 guests were entertained by an array of pop stars.