Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire announced their divorce Wednesday (August 2).
Prior to the announcement, the couple had been married since 2005. With both parties saying they have signed a legal agreement, the divorce effectively ended their 18-year marriage.
Trudeau and Grégoire have three children between them.
In parallel Instagram posts - Trudeau in English and Grégoire in French - the former couple said they have decided to part ways "after many meaningful and difficult conversations," and have asked the public to respect their family's privacy on the matter.
"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 ex-couple stated.
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Trudeau's Office Confirms Split
Trudeau's office in Ottawa also confirmed the split in a statement. "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," Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Alison Murphy said in a statement.
"They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving, and collaborative environment."
Murphy added the Trudeaus would still be seen as a family together and even planned on being together on a vacation "beginning next week." The former couple were last seen together when they hosted US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill in Ottawa in March.
Trudeau was the second Canadian prime minister to announce a separation while in office after his father, Pierre, separated from his mother, Margaret, in 1979. The older Trudeaus' divorce took effect in 1984.
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