The 50-year-old American singer, who has dominated the pop music scene for three decades, announced their separation in October after weeks of speculation.

They were married seven and a half years ago at Skibo Castle in Scotland in a high profile ceremony attended by Gwyneth Paltrow, Donatella Versace and Stella McCartney.

But their union was dissolved in a matter of minutes in a "quickie divorce" on Friday at the Principal Registry of the Family Division in High Holburn, London.

Neither was in court and both refused to comment on the proceedings.