GOOD afternoon family. It is clearly the will of your mother that she should be the new head of the household and effectively your new father.
I want to say to the many people who attended our wedding in 1993; thank you for that incredible turnout. And the reason I have fought so hard for this marriage is not just for myself, but because it was my obligation to them to deliver on that promise of eternal love.
Of course, I’m immensely proud of my achievements in this marriage. From fathering four wonderful children to writing for the Daily Telegraph to becoming an MP and mayor of London, I have gone from strength to strength.
In the last few days I’ve tried to persuade your mother that it would be eccentric to change spouses when we are delivering so much and have such a vast house in Islington, where I have still maintained a high libido after some pretty relentless sledging.
I regret not being more successful in those arguments, especially as I had an unflagging stonk-on, but the menopause is powerful and when it comes, it comes.
And, my friends, no wife is remotely indispensable. My brilliant and Darwinian system of fucking will produce another wife equally committed to remaining in the marriage through tough times.
To that new wife, whoever she may be, I say: I will give you as much support as I feel like. And to you, my family, I know many will be relieved and some disappointed. But them’s the breaks.
I want to thank all those who have helped me through my marriage – no names necessary, you know who you are, my honeys are the one group who never leak – and you, my children, who have had to put up with so much for so long.
Being married is an education in itself. In addition to the beauty of other wives, I’ve found so many women who throw themselves at you when they see the ring. So I know while things are dark for you now, my future without you is golden.
Thank you all very much.