A palace spokesman said the decision was based on a falloff in business from the duke, who originally granted his endorsement in 1956.
A palace spokesman responded: "I'm not terribly sure what they want - waxwork dummies?"
A palace spokesman said she was in "excellent health."
"It is a woman's prerogative," a palace spokesman told the paper.
A palace spokesman said: 'We do not comment on speculation in newspapers.
"All members of the royal family are very pleased with the news," a palace spokesman said later.
There is an explanation, issued repeatedly these days by palace spokesmen.
A palace spokesman declined today to comment on this incident.
A palace spokesman, speaking on background, denied that the incident had any significance.
The only thing that was certain, a palace spokesman said today, was that a divorce would take place.