Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, announced their decision to separate after 18 years of marriage, according to CBS News.

The news was shared by Trudeau on social media, with both him and Sophie posting similar messages on their respective accounts.

The couple, who has three children together, emphasized the importance of privacy for the well-being of their children. They requested that the public respect their family's privacy during this time.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the Trudeaus have already signed a legal separation agreement.

Despite their separation, they remain committed to being a close family, and both parents will continue to be actively involved in their children's lives.

The statement also mentioned that the family will be spending time together on vacation starting the following week, reflecting their commitment to maintaining a strong bond despite their decision to separate.

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Justin Trudeau Wife: Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's background as a former television presenter and her educational achievements with a bachelor's degree in communications from the Université de Montréal highlights her experience in the media and communication industry, NBC News noted.

In addition to her professional career, Grégoire Trudeau has been an advocate of various causes, notably gender equity issues.

Her efforts in promoting human rights and gender equality earned her the UN Women National Committee Canada Recognition Award in 2013.

Throughout their relationship, Justin Trudeau has openly praised and expressed his love and admiration for his wife.

In various social media posts, including a recent birthday tribute in April, he has shared selfies and heartfelt messages affirming the importance of having her by his side.

Justin Trudeau-Sophie Gregoire Trudeau Relationship

The announcement of Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's separation marks a significant moment in their long-standing relationship.

The couple first met as children when Sophie was a classmate of Justin's youngest brother. They reconnected as adults while co-hosting a charity gala in 2003. They tied the knot two years later, per Al Jazeera.

When Trudeau was first elected as the Prime Minister of Canada in 2015, his wife, Grégoire Trudeau, held a high public profile and actively participated in various official engagements, said The Guardian.

She met with international leaders, dignitaries, and community organizers, showcasing her role as the spouse of the Prime Minister and a representative of Canada on the global stage.

Their marriage has been a subject of public interest, with Vogue magazine featuring a glowing profile of the couple in 2016, highlighting their affectionate displays towards each other.

However, Trudeau has been candid about the challenges they faced in their marriage, acknowledging the ups and downs in his autobiography before becoming a prime minister.

In recent years, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau has reduced her joint public appearances with her husband, and signs of stress in their relationship have been apparent.

Despite the difficulties, they have worked to maintain a strong bond and have raised their three children together.

This separation marks a notable event in Canadian political history, as Justin Trudeau becomes the second prime minister to announce a separation while in office.

His parents, Pierre Trudeau and Margaret Trudeau, separated in 1979 and divorced in 1984 during Pierre Trudeau's final year as prime minister.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and his wife are separating - From NBC News