Ending their 18-year-old marriage, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie have decided to separate.
The couple, who has three children, were seen less frequently together in public in recent times.
Trudeau, 51 and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, 48, tied the knot in May 2005. On their anniversary in 2020, Trudeau affectionately described Sophie as “my rock, my partner and my best friend.”
The announcement of their separation was made on their Instagram pages simultaneously. They stated that the decision came after “many meaningful and difficult conversations.” The Prime Minister’s office confirmed that a legal agreement had been signed and that they were committed to handling all legal and ethical aspects of their separation moving forward.
The couple’s history goes back to their youth in Montreal, where they first met. As adults, they reconnected in 2003 and they co-hosted a charity gala while Sophie was working as a TV entertainment reporter. Together, they have three children: Xavier, 15, Ella-Grace, 14 and Hadrien, nine.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was widely recognized during Trudeau’s initial term as Prime Minister in 2015. She had a significant public profile, engaging with international leaders, dignitaries and community organisers and accompanying her husband on foreign trips. Vogue even featured a glowing profile of the couple in a 2016 issue, noting Trudeau’s public displays of affection towards his wife.
Over the years, Sophie’s public role has become less prominent and she rarely travels with the Prime Minister on official trips. However, she remained actively involved in causes she cared about, including gender equality and mental health and had two books scheduled for publication.
The couple was last seen together in London for King Charles’ coronation in May and during US President Joe Biden’s visit in late March. Recently, Trudeau gave a news conference and rode the Toronto subway but he has not had any public appearances for the last two days.
The statement released by the couple emphasised that they remain a close family, and they are focused on raising their children in a safe, loving and collaborative environment. They plan to be together for a vacation starting next week and their office requested respect for their privacy.
Interestingly, Justin Trudeau’s father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau also experienced a separation, becoming the first Canadian Prime Minister to be a single parent. He separated from Margaret Trudeau in 1977 and she filed for divorce in late 1983, leading to Pierre Trudeau’s retirement from politics.
Since becoming Prime Minister in 2015, Trudeau’s image has been somewhat tarnished by various scandals, soaring inflation, and voter fatigue, but he continues to lead the government.
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