Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie separating after 18 ...

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau in 2019. The Canadian PM and his wife are separating after 18 years of marriage. Photo / AP

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau have announced they are separating after 18 years of marriage.

The two said in statements posted on Instagram today that they made the decision after “many meaningful and difficult conversations.”

“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,” the two said.

A statement from the prime minister’s office said both have signed a legal separation agreement.

Trudeau, the 51-year-old scion of one of Canada’s most famous politicians, was sworn into office in 2015. Sophie Trudeau is a former model and TV host. Together, they brought star power to the prime minister’s office and appeared in the pages of Vogue magazine.

The couple were married in 2005. They have three children, 15-year-old Xavier, 14-year-old Ella-Grace and 9-year-old Hadrien.

“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 his office said.

“The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.”

An official familiar with the matter said 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 said she has moved to a separate Ottawa home, but will spend time at Rideau Cottage at times including when he is travelling.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

She has played a less visible role in recent years, rarely traveling with the prime minister on official trips.

The two were seen together publicly at Canada Day events in Ottawa last month.

His office requested respect for their privacy.

Trudeau and 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.

Trudeau is the second prime minister to announce a separation while in office.

His father, Pierre Trudeau, separated from wife Margaret in 1979, and the two divorced in 1984.

Justin Trudeau channeled the star power of his Liberal icon father when he first won office in 2015. Scandals, voter fatigue and economic inflation have taken a toll on his popularity after eight years in power.

Just a few months ago 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!”

- AP