Has Ruby Rose Split with Fiancee Catherine McNeil

They were renowned for taking to Facebook and Twitter to publicly declare their love for each other, but Foxtel personality Ruby Rose and supermodel Catherine McNeil are remaining unusually tight-lipped following news the lesbian couple have called off their engagement and ended their romance.

Distance and time apart is understood to be the cause of the break-up, which has occurred just months after McNeil, 21, who is based in New York, had the initials "R.R" tattooed onto her ribcage. It is believed McNeil was responsible for ending the 10-month relationship, but reps for both women issued a "no comment" to WHO. "They are and have long been tremendous friends," a friend of the couple told The Daily Telegraph, confirming the split. "It's sad they've broken up and both women are determined to remain close but the relationship wasn't working."

It was all love and light on January 2, when MTV presenter Rose announced her engagement to McNeil — updating her Facebook status with a comment, declaring, "So in love can't wait to spend the rest of my life with u (sic) baby." And at an LA event in April that Rose, a celebrity DJ, was hired to play at, both women were sporting diamond engagement rings on their left hands.

While Rose, 24, who recently launched her own fashion collection for Australian label Milk and Honey, didn't wish to discuss her break-up, she was happy to wage war against Prime Minister Julia Gillard's opposing views on same sex marriage.

“I feel it would be wrong for me to not try to bring attention to any issue where people are denied acceptance and equal rights because of their sexuality," Rose said in a statement to WHO. "Julia has her job to do and I feel as a young Australian and a strong voting advocate that I have the right to comment on Government policies and encourage and endorse change when I disagree with them. I think Australians should be able to love and marry who you want. Simple.“