Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, former newscaster Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, announced their separation Wednesday after 18 years of marriage.
Trudeau is the second prime minister to announce a separation while in office. His father, Liberal Party prime minister 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.
The current prime minister made the announcement in statements posted on Instagram. In addition, a statement from the prime minister’s office said they both “have signed a legal separation agreement.”
“After many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate,” the two said on Instagram. “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.”
“They remain a close family, and Sophie and the prime minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment,” the statement from Justin Trudeau’s office said. “The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.”
The couple has three children: 15-year-old Xavier, 14-year-old Ella-Grace and 9-year-old Hadrien. “For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy,” the pair said on Instagram.
Take a look —
View this post on Instagram
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire met as children when she was a classmate of his youngest brother, Michel, and they reconnected as adults when they co-hosted a 2003 charity gala. The couple were married in 2005
Trudeau, the 51-year-old scion of one of Canada’s most famous politicians, was sworn into office in 2015. Together, they brought star power to the prime minister’s office and appeared in the pages of Vogue magazine.
She has played a less visible role in recent years, rarely traveling with the prime minister on official trips.
However, the two were seen together publicly at Canada Day events in Ottawa last month.
In May, Trudeau posted a picture of himself holding hands with his wife on their anniversary and wrote, “Every mile of this journey together is an adventure. I love you, Soph. Happy anniversary!”
Take a look —
View this post on Instagram
Vogue shares 'steamy' photo of Justin Trudeau and his wife from upcoming profile https://t.co/crRPgFPgvV pic.twitter.com/n8R48TGI6m
— CBC News (@CBCNews) December 10, 2015
An official familiar with the matter told the Associated Press that the two are expected to have joint custody and that he will continue to live at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, where he has lived since 2015, and the children will primarily live there to maintain stability.
The official, remaining anonymous, said she has moved to a separate Ottawa home, but will spend time at Rideau Cottage at times including when he is traveling.
Justin Trudeau emphasized the legacy of his father when he first won office in 2015.
However, after eight years, he’s damaged his popularity amid scandals, voter fatigue and economic inflation.
View this post on Instagram
The Horn editorial team and the Associated Press contributed to this article.