Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Grégoire, announced Wednesday that they have decided to separate after 18 years of marriage.
The couple communicated their decision through their respective Instagram accounts.
Shortly after the announcement, the Canadian Prime Minister's Office released a statement stating that the two "have signed a separation agreement" to ensure that they have taken "all legal and ethical steps with respect to their decision."
The message posted by the Canadian Prime Minister on Instagram indicates that "after many deep and difficult conversations" the couple has decided to separate.
"As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have done and will continue to do. For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you," the message ended. written in English. Sophie Grégoire posted the same text on her account but in French.
Justin Trudeau, 51, and Sophie Grégoire, 48, married in 2005 and have three children: Xavier, 16, Hadrien, 14, and Ella-Grace, nine.
