Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregorie Trudeau have announced their separation after 18 years of marriage.

Justin Trudeau married former television presenter Sophie Gregoire in 2005.
(Image: Getty)In a statement released to Instagram, Trudeau wrote, โSophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate.โ
โAs 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,โ continued the statement, with the Prime Minister requesting that the public respect their privacy โfor the well-being of our children.โ

โThey remain a close family.โ
(Image: Getty)A statement released by Trudeauโs office provided further detail on the First Familyโs separation; confirming they have signed a separation agreement.
โโThey 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,โ read the statement, which also confirmed that the couple will still be taking part in official public appearances.
โThey remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment. Both parents will be a constant presence in their childrenโs lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together. The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.โ

The coupleโs children will reportedly continue to live in their official residence with the Prime Minister.
(Image: Getty)The couple first got together in 2003, with the Trudeauโs celebrating their nuptials in May 2005. The couple welcomed their first child Xavier in 2007, followed by Ella-Grace in 2009, and Hadrien in 2014.
According to a source reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Gregoire will be relocating to a separate residence in Ottawa, with the Prime Minister and their three children remaining in their official residence in Rideau Cottage.