How Putin removed wedding ring while watching the ballet and emerged with his wife to announce their divorce on live TV 

• Putin, 60, and 55-year-old wife announce that their 29-year marriage is over
• President and wife Lyudmila reveal split in interview after night at the ballet
• Pair are 'eternally close' and support each other through 'civilised divorce'
• Interview didn't mention Putin's alleged gymnast lover, Alina Kabayeva, 30

By ANNA EDWARDS

PUBLISHED: 18:31 GMT, 6 June 2013 | UPDATED: 18:35 GMT, 7 June 2013

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his 29-year marriage to his his wife, Lyudmila, was over - after removing his wedding band as they watched the ballet together.

The 60-year-old and his 55-year-old wife broke the news of the end of the 29-year marriage in an obviously staged TV interview after a night at the ballet.

Before the ballet at the Kremlin Palace, Putin was pictured wearing his wedding ring, but he must have removed it during the performance because he was not wearing it by the time he left and was interviewed.

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Russia's President Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila share a smile in happier times in 2008

Alina Kabayeva, 30, Putin's rumoured mistress, has appeared at the Olympics twice and done modelling work

How Putin removed wedding ring while watching the ballet and emerged with his wife to announce their divorc... by nelvely