JFK girl's marriage heartache

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Nov 27, 2005 | by From JULIAN BROUWER in New York

TRAGIC Caroline Kennedy is facing new heartbreak as her marriage crumbles around her.

Caroline, 48, daughter of murdered President John F Kennedy, is still grieving over the loss of her brother John Junior in a plane crash and fighting a crippling illness.

Friends say her deep unhappiness has hurt her relationship with husband Ed Schlossberg, 60, to the extent that the pair of them are now leading separate lives.

"Caroline and Ed have been drifting apart for years and now are only together occasionally for the sake of their children," reveals a family source. "There are no plans to divorce, they are just going their own ways."

According to the source, the once happy couple only remain married to keep up appearances for the sake of their children, Rose, 17, 15-year-old Tatiana, and John, 12.

"Ed feels Caroline's terrible pain but he can't seem to reach her," says the insider. "She has retreated into herself and won't let Ed help.

"The pain and anguish of losing her brother shortly after their mother died is something she has not got over. John was her best friend in the world, a person she confided in and replied upon.

"John's death was such a crushing blow, she will probably never recover.

"Ed has hoped for years now that she would overcome the pain, but has watched her drift further away.

Friends say the couple often live in different New York homes - Caroline in a multi-million dollar apartment on Park Avenue, Ed in a small apartment near his office.

Caroline's heartache over her brother's death is also compounded by the agony caused by her her arthritis, claims her cousin John H. Davis.

"Behind her smile, she endures intense pain," says Davis. "It's sad. She has always been athletic, cycling, swimming and riding. Now she has to curtail her activities because of the pain."