In 1994, FW de Klerk began an affair with Elita Georgiades, the wife of Tony Georgiades, a Greek shipping tycoon who had allegedly given de Klerk and the National Party financial support. FW and Marike's marriage ended in 1996 with FW announcing on Valentine's Day that he intended to divorce his wife of 37 years. Marike was opposed to the divorce: 'If you change your mind, I'll forgive everything - up to 70 times seven.' However, FW replied: 'I'm certain about my decision. Stop hoping.' F. W. de Klerk married Georgiades a week after his divorce to Marike was official.