Justin Trudeau and Wife Sophie Announce Separation

After 18 Years of Marriage

Canada's Prime Minister and First Lady Split

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau have announced their separation after 18 years of marriage. The couple, who have three children together, released a joint statement on Wednesday, confirming the news. "We have decided to separate but remain deeply committed to our three children and raising them together in the spirit of mutual respect and kindness," they said.

Trudeau, 51, and Grégoire, 48, were married in May 2005. They met in their early 20s and have been together ever since. The couple has faced challenges in recent years, including Trudeau's busy political schedule and Grégoire's health issues. Grégoire has spoken openly about her struggles with mental health, and she has taken a break from public life in recent years to focus on her recovery.

Despite the separation, Trudeau and Grégoire said they remain committed to their family and to working together to raise their children. "We are going to take some time apart, but we do not intend to divorce," they said. "We will continue to support each other as parents and as friends."