Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, and his wife Sophie are separating.
The two announced Wednesday that they are separating after 18 years of marriage. They both have signed a legal separation agreement, the prime minister's office said in a statement.
In statements shared on Instagram, the two said that the decision was made after "many meaningful and difficult conversations."
“As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build,” the two said on Instagram.
In 2015, Trudeau, the 51-year-old scion of one of Canada's most well-known politicians, took the oath of office. Sophie Trudeau is a former model and TV host.
Love Story of Justin Trudeau & Sophie Gregoire
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire first met when she was a classmate of his youngest brother, Michel, and again as adults when they co-hosted a charity gala in 2003.
The couple, Justin Trudeau, 51, and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, 48, were married in May 2005. They have three children, 15-year-old Xavier, 14-year-old Ella-Grace, and 9-year-old Hadrien.
He described her as "my rock, my partner, and my best friend," on their anniversary in 2020.
"Every mile of this journey together is an adventure. I love you, Soph. Happy anniversary!"
With this caption, Trudeau posted a pic of himself holding hands with his wife on their anniversary just a few months prior.
Together, they brought star power to the prime minister's office and appeared in the pages of Vogue magazine.
When he first won office in 2015, Justin Trudeau channeled the star power of his Liberal icon father, Pierre Trudeau. After 8 years in power, his popularity has effected due to scandals, voter tiredness, and economic inflation.
Difficulties in their relationship
The couple had talked frankly in the past about their relationship difficulties, and they were seen less often together in public in recent years.
She has played a less visible role in recent years, rarely accompanying the prime minister on official trips. Last month, the two were seen in public together at Canada Day events in Ottawa.
An official familiar with the matter said that he will continue to live with children at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, where he has lived since 2015.
The official said that although she has relocated to a separate home in Ottawa, she will spend time at Rideau Cottage at times including when he is traveling.
Trudeau is the second prime minister to announce a separation while in office.
His father, Pierre Trudeau, and mother, Margaret Trudeau, separated in 1979 and divorced in 1984 during the elder Trudeau's final year in the prime minister's office.