Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver separate

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver have said they are separating after 25 years of marriage.

"After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision," the two said in a statement.

They said they were working on the future of their relationship while living apart and would also continue to parent their four children together.

They did not provide further details.

"This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us," Mr Schwarzenegger and Ms Shriver said in the statement issued by Mr Schwarzenegger's spokesman.

Mr Schwarzenegger finished a seven-year run as California governor in January.

Ms Shriver, a member of the Kennedy dynasty, left her job as a TV reporter when her husband was elected.