Hollywood hardman Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Kennedy Shriver have terminated their 25-year marriage.

The couple, who have four children, said in a statement: "After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision together."

Reports in the US said Shriver, John F Kennedy's niece, moved out of the California mansion she shared with former state governor Schwarzenegger two weeks ago.

She wasn't wearing her wedding ring last month when she posted a YouTube video asking fans for advice on coping with "transitions" in life.

Shriver and Schwarzenegger confirmed their split on Monday night, after questions on their marriage from the Los Angeles Times.

The announcement came just four months after Schwarzenegger's seven-year reign as governor ended.

The couple said: "This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us."

Schwarzenegger and Shriver wed in 1986 in a glittering ceremony near the Kennedy family compound in Massachusetts.