Aussie billionaires Andrew and Nicola Forrest announce separation

Twiggy Forrest has announced a major change to his relationship with wife Nicola after 31 years of marriage.

Billionaires Andrew and Nicola Forrest have announced they are now living “separate” lives.

The pair said in a statement on Wednesday they had decided “to live apart” after 31 years of marriage.

They say the split will have no impact on their business or philanthropical endeavours.

“Our friendship and commitment to our family remains strong,” they said in the statement.

Twiggy Forrest has announced a major change to his relationship with wife Nicola in the pair’s 31-year-marriage. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

The pair have promised they are still friends and will continue to focus on charity work. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“Our friendship and commitment to our family remains strong,” they said in the statement.

“There is no impact on the operations, control or direction of Fortescue, Minderoo or Tattarang.

“We will continue our shared mission to create and gift our wealth to tackle community and global challenges, as recently shown by last months’ donation of one-fifth of our Fortescue shareholding to Minderoo Foundation.”

Nicola and Twiggy Forrest have three children. Supplied

Mr and Mrs Forrest are touted as the second wealthiest people in Australia behind mining giant Gina Rinehart.

Their $32bn fortune began with iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group which the pair founded in 2003. They now hold a 36 per cent stake in the company.

They have committed to donate more than half of their fortune during their lifetime, following the Giving Pledge campaign started by Melinda and Bill Gates.

They have three adult children.