Arnold Schwarzenegger admits illegitimate child is reason behind marriage break-up - Telegraph.co.uk

Mr Schwarzenegger said: "After leaving the governor's office I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago.

"I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologised to Maria, my children and my family. I am truly sorry."

He asked for his family to be left alone in an "extremely difficult time," adding: "While I deserve attention and criticism, my family does not." A spokesman for Miss Shriver declined to comment. The couple have four children – Katherine, 21, Christina, 19, Patrick, 17, and Christopher, 13.

Mr Schwarzenegger was seen hugging his daughter Katherine hours before his announcement.

In a statement Miss Shriver said: "This is a painful and heartbreaking time. As a mother, my concern is for the children. I ask for compassion, respect and privacy as my children and I try to rebuild our lives and heal."

The former employee was married when the child was born. In recent days she had maintained that the father was her then-husband.

She said she had left her job voluntarily with a severance payment and "on good terms" with both Mr Schwarzenegger and Miss Shriver.

She told the Los Angeles Times: "I wanted to achieve my 20 years, then I asked to retire." Following Mr Schwarzenegger's public admission she declined to comment further.

Miss Shriver, a lifelong Democrat and niece of President John F Kennedy, was said to have already been unhappy in the marriage but to have struggled with ending it because of her Catholicism.

In 2003 she stood by her husband, a Republican, when he faced down several allegations of sexual harassment. During a scandal known as "Gropegate" he was accused of having sexually harassed several women over a 25-year period, but his wife's support helped him secure the governorship.

Following the separation Mr Schwarzenegger said he and his wife still "both love each other very much" and were "taking one day at a time."

Since leaving office he has made clear his intention to return to Hollywood, including a fifth instalment of the "Terminator" films.

James Carville, former chief political strategist to President Bill Clinton, said it was "pretty stunning" Mr Schwarzenegger ran for office with such a secret.