She arrived without him at the star-studded LA gala for Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. And Jennifer Lopez looked as dazzling as always for her date with royalty, turning heads in a stunning emerald green dress, with daring cut-out panels. But close observers might have noticed that her smile was a little strained. They would probably have put it down to the demands of motherhood or her busy career. What no one would have guessed was the secret that she was hiding: her marriage to Marc Anthony was on the rocks.
On Friday, the couple made the shock announcement that they had decided to end their relationship. "This was a very difficult decision," they said in a joint statement. "We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters.""It is a painful time for all involved and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time."
Jennifer, 41, and Marc, 42, married in June 2004 in a casual and secret ceremony at her Beverly Hills home.They are parents to three-year-old twins Max and Emme.
The pair's split has come as a surprise to many given their frequent – and recent – public displays of affection.American Idol judge Jennifer joined her husband on stage during the show's finale on May 25 (below), ending the racy performance with a passionate kiss.And they were seen looking very affectionate at the unveiling of her billboard in Times Square on June 10 – the last time they were pictured together.
However, this was followed by her appearance at Kate and William's Bafta Brits to Watch party with her mother Guadalupe at her side, rather than her husband.Jennifer and Marc began their romance weeks after her high-profile split from fiancé Ben Affleck in January 2004.The New York-born beauty has been married twice before - to restaurateur Ojani Noa and former backup dancer Cris Judd.Marc has two sons from his first marriage to former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, and also has a teenage daughter from a previous relationship.