The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, are officially parting ways after 18 years of marriage.
Announcing the shock separation in a joint statement on Wednesday, the former political power couple said they had arrived at the decision “after many meaningful and difficult conversations.”
Though Sophie has already moved out, the pair announced that they would still be holidaying as a family next week and wish to remain a close-knit family.
Justin, 51, is set to remain at the Rideau Cottage residence with their three children, while Sophie, 48, has reportedly moved elsewhere in Ottawa.
The pair were married in Montreal on May 28, 2005.
Reuters
The pair will share custody of their two sons and daughter, Xavier, 15, Ella-Grace, 14, and Hadrien, nine, according to Globe and Mail.
Posted to their Instagram accounts in English and French, the statement read: “Hi everyone, Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate.
“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.
“For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy. Thank you.”
Canada's Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accompanied by his wife Sophie Gregoire and his children Ella-Grace, Xavier and Hadrien watch the election coverage on a TV, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, September 20, 2021.
Reuters/Carlos Osorio
Another statement released by the PM’s office confirmed that the family would still go on holiday together next week.
It added: “Both parents will be a constant presence in their children’s lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together.
"They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment.”
Sophie was a childhood friend and classmate of Justin Trudeau's older brother Michel, who died in an avalanche in 1998 aged 23.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau hug on stage after the federal election at the Palais des Congres in Montreal, Quebec, Canada October 22, 2019.
Reuters/Carlo Allegri
Sophie and Justin reconnected in 2003 when the pair co-hosted a charity ball and began dating soon after.
The pair were married in Montreal on May 28, 2005.
From their public declarations of love, the former couple’s relationship seemed to be rock steady.
On Father’s Day in June this year, Sophie wrote: “This man could carry the love he has for his kids anywhere. Dads, never underestimate your role as mentors in your family for your sons and your daughters.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire arrive at Felipe Angeles International Airport on the outskirts of Mexico City, to attend the North American Leaders' Summit in Mexico City, Mexico January 9, 2023.
Reuters/Toya Sarno Jordan
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, with their children Xavier, Ella-Grace and Hadrien, host U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. first lady Jill Biden at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada March 23, 2023.
Adam Scotti/Prime Minister's Office via Reuters
“Be kind to yourselves, check on your mental well-being, slow down in silence when needed… and most of all, take the risk of loving with everything you got.”
Likewise, in April, Justin posted a loving message for his wife’s birthday: “Happy birthday, Sophie. From this, to this, and everything in between, there’s no one I’d rather have by my side… I love you, mon amour.”
The last Canadian prime minister to separate while in office was his father from his mother in 1977.
In his memoir, Justin wrote that having divorced parents had left him with “a sense of diminished self worth.”
