The couple announced the news in a statement to E! News on Monday.

"While the two of us have come to the mutual decision that we will no longer be partners in marriage, we remain partners in parenthood and are committed to jointly raising our three sons in a happy and healthy environment," the statement read.

"To that end, we respectfully request privacy from the media during this time."

It is being reported by E! that the divorce paperwork was filed by Stefani, 45, and cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split.

The couple met after Stefani's band, No Doubt, opened for British-born Rossdale's band, Bush, during a 1995 tour.

They married at St Paul's Cathedral, London in September 2002 and have three sons, Kingston, 9, Zuma, 6, and Apollo, 17 months.

Rossdale, 49, also has an adult daughter from a previous relationship.

It was only in February that Hollaback Girl singer was speaking openly about how her romance with Rossdale was "a miracle" they had outlasted Hollywood's relationship curse, as well as providing an insight into how they make it work.

"It's good to have those days when we both do our own things," she told Cosmopolitan.

"I think that's what keeps relationships going, when both people can be themselves and have their own individuality. That's especially important for women."

In a Rolling Stone interview earlier this year, Rossdale said Stefani had helped him to improve himself.

"I can't remember much without [Gwen]," he said. "She's such a great person that I think she's taught me how to be a better person."