Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and His Wife Announce Divorce

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie, have announced that they are separating after 18 years together.

“Sophie and I wish to share that after many meaningful and complex conversations, we have made the decision to separate,” Trudeau wrote on his Twitter page.

“As always, we remain close friends, connected to each other and to the love and respect we have for what we have built and will continue to build together,” said the 51-year-old Prime Minister.

His office stated that the couple has officially signed a legal separation agreement. “They have ensured that all necessary legal and ethical steps are being taken with respect to their decision and will continue to do so moving forward,” the Prime Minister’s press service reported.

A separation agreement in Canada is not an official divorce, which is confirmed by a court, nor is it a legally formulated decision regarding the couple's separation. It allows time for the couple to address issues, if not the relationship itself, at least the financial aspects of the divorce and custody arrangements for their children. Within a year, the separation agreement can serve as the basis for a final divorce.

“For the sake of our children's well-being, we ask that you respect our and their privacy,” the Prime Minister requested.