Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie have officially announced their separation after 18 years of marriage. This decision has been formalized through a legal agreement, as revealed by a statement from Trudeaus office on Wednesday.“They have worked to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward,” the statement from Trudeaus office said, add that despite this development, both Justin and Sophie Trudeau intend to maintain their public engagements and appearances.“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 family will be together on vacation, beginning next week,” the statement added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin Trudeau (@justinpjtrudeau) In a heartfelt Instagram post, Prime Minister Trudeau shared, “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.”In the Instagram post, the couple asked for privacy for the well-being of their three children, Xavier (15), Ella-Grace (14), and Hadrien (9).According to Trudeaus Liberal Party, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau pursued studies in Commerce at McGill University and obtained her BA in Communications from the Universite de Montreal. She furthered her education in Montreal and went on to work in sales and advertising before establishing herself as a television and radio reporter.Justin Trudeau follows fathers footsteps in separating while holding PM officeJustin Trudeau first met with Sophie Gregoire in Montreal in 2002, following his return from teaching in Vancouver. Their relationship flourished, culminating in their marriage in 2005 and the subsequent birth of their children.“In 2002, Justin returned home to Montreal, where he met Sophie Gregoire. They married in 2005 and are now the proud parents of Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien,” the official biography of Trudeau read.Trudeaus 2015 election as Prime Minister was accompanied by a notable Vogue spread featuring the couple. Sophie Gregoire Trudeau shared a poignant anecdote from their first date in which Justin said, “Im 31 years old, and Ive been waiting for you for 31 years.”Throughout their journey, the couple has openly addressed the challenges and triumphs of their relationship. Sophie Gregoire Trudeau acknowledged the complexities of long-term partnerships in an Instagram post on their wedding anniversary in May 2022, stating, “We have navigated through sunny days, heavy storms, and everything in between.”Justin Trudeau echoed this sentiment in his 2014 autobiography, emphasizing the candid nature of their bond, “Our marriage isnt perfect, and we have had difficult ups and downs, yet Sophie remains my best friend, my partner, my love. We are honest with each other, even when it hurts.”Notably, Justin Trudeau follows in the footsteps of his father, the late Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who also experienced separation while holding the office of Canadian Prime Minister. Pierre and Margaret Trudeau announced their split in 1977, culminating in their subsequent divorce after six years together.
