Canadian PM Justin Trudeau separating from wife Sophie
ByTheresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Separated FILE PHOTO: Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau attend the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 06, 2023, in London, England. The Trudeaus announced they have separated after 18 years of marriage. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
(Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
ByTheresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, announced Wednesday that they are separating.
In a post on Instagram, the prime minister said the decision came “after many meaningful and difficult conversations.”
“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,” he wrote. “For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy. Thank you.”
Trudeau and Grégoire Trudeau met in Montreal in 2002, according to . Grégoire Trudeau was a TV and radio host in Quebec. She had earlier gone to school with Trudeau’s late brother, Michel, CBC News reported.
In 2005, the couple married. They share three children: 15-year-old Xavier, 14-year-old Ella-Grace and 9-year-old Hadrien, according to CTV News.
In a statement obtained by CBC News, officials with the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Trudeau and Grégoire Trudeau have “signed a legal separation agreement.”
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Through the years TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 09: Sophie Gregoire and Justin Trudeau arrive at the "Midnight's Children" Premiere at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 9, 2012 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images) (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Through the years ALLETTA, MALTA - NOVEMBER 27: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire arrive for the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on November 27, 2015 near Valletta, Malta. The biennial summit meeting of Commonwealth nations is attended by Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, along with The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. (Photo by Toby Melville - Pool /Getty Images) (Pool/Getty Images)
Through the years KASHIKOJIMA, JAPAN - MAY 26: In this handout image provide by Foreign Ministry of Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and wife Akie Abe (R), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (2nd R) and wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau (2nd L) attend the cocktail event during the G7 Japan 2016 Ise-Shima summit at the Shima Kanko Hotel on May 26, 2016 in Kashikojima, Japan. In the two-day summit, the G7 leaders are scheduled to discuss the pressing global issues including counter-terrorism, energy policy, and sustainable development. (Photo by Foreign Ministry of Japan via Getty Images) (Handout/Getty Images)
Through the years WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (2nd R), U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (2nd L) and Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau (L) wave to invited guests from the Truman Balcony of the White House after an arrival ceremony at the White House, March 10, 2016 in Washington, DC. This is Trudeau's first trip to Washington since becoming Prime Minister. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Through the years WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: (L-R) First Lady Sophie Trudeau of Canada, First Lady Michelle Obama, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and President Barack Obama pose at the North Portico of the White House on March 10, 2016 in Washington, D.C. Prime Minister Trudeau is on an official visit to Washington. (Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images) (Pool/Getty Images)
Through the years NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 16: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (R) and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau attend the Catalyst Awards Dinner at Waldorf Astoria Hotel on March 16, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images) (Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)
Through the years HANGZHOU, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 03: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and their daughter arrive in Hangzhou to attend to the G20 Leader Summit on September 3, 2016 in Hangzhou, China. (Photo by Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images) (Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images)
Through the years VICTORIA, BC - SEPTEMBER 24: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau attend an official welcome ceremony at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia at Victoria International Airport on September 24, 2016 in Victoria, Canada. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski-Pool/Getty Images) (Pool/Getty Images)
Through the years VANCOUVER, BC - SEPTEMBER 25: (L-R) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attend the Young Canadians reception and celebration at the Telus Gardens during the Royal Tour of Canada on September 25, 2016 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Mark Large - Pool/Getty Images) (Pool/Getty Images)
Through the years VIMY, FRANCE - APRIL 09: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and son Xavier visit the tunnel and trenches at Vimy Memorial Park during the commemorations for the centenary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 2017 in Vimy, France. The Battle Of Vimy Ridge was fought during WW1 as part of the initial phase of the Battle of Arras. Although British-led, it was mostly fought by the Canadian Corps. A centenary commemorative service will be held at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France attended by the Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry and representatives of the Canadian Government. (Photo by Tim Rooke - Pool/Getty Images) (Pool/Getty Images)
Through the years HAMBURG, GERMANY - JULY 06: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau with first lady Sophie Trudeau and their youngest son Hadrien arrive at Hamburg Airport for the Hamburg G20 economic summit on July 6, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. Leaders of the G20 group of nations are meeting for the July 7-8 summit. Topics high on the agenda for the summit include climate policy and development programs for African economies. (Photo by Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images) (Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images)
Through the years TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 23: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau during the opening ceremony of the 2017 Invictus Games at Air Canada Centre on September 23, 2017 in Toronto, Canada.The Invictus Games is the only international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and Women (WIS). This year's games will bring together 550 competitors from 17 nations. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation) (Harry How)
Through the years NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: Sophie Gregoire and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speak on stage at the WE Day UN at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on September 20, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for We Day) (Monica Schipper)
Through the years WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 11: (L-R) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau pose for photographs at the White House October 11, 2017 in Washington, DC. The United States, Canada and Mexico are currently engaged in renegotiating the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Through the years QUEBEC CITY, QC - JUNE 08: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau (C) and wife Sophie Gregoire greet U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 official welcome at Le Manoir Richelieu on day one of the G7 meeting on June 8, 2018 in Quebec City, Canada. Canada will host the leaders of the UK, Italy, the US, France, Germany and Japan for the two day summit, in the town of La Malbaie. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) (Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Through the years MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 21: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives to cast his vote with his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and son Xavier Trudeau on election day at a polling station on October 21, 2019 in Montreal, Canada. Trudeau's Liberals and Andrew Scheer's Conservatives are in a close race in the federal election, possibly leading to a minority government if neither candidate gets the 170 seats needed to form a majority. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) (Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Through the years MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 21: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accompanied by his wife Sophie Gregoire (L) and his children Hadrien, Ella-Grace and Xavier Trudeau in advance of casting his ballot on election day at a polling station on October 21, 2019 in Montreal, Canada. Trudeau's Liberals and Andrew Scheer's Conservatives are in a close race in the federal election, possibly leading to a minority government if neither candidate gets the 170 seats needed to form a majority. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) (Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Through the years MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 21: Liberal Leader and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waves alongside his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau after delivering his victory speech at his election night headquarters on October 21, 2019 in Montreal, Canada. Trudeau remains in power with a Minority Government. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) (Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Through the years VANCOUVER, BC - SEPTEMBER 13: Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau walks with his wife Sophie and his son Hadrien during a campaign stop on September 13, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. Elections in Canada will be held on September 20. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) (Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)
Through the years MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 20: Canada's Prime Minister and Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau delivers his victory speech as his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau looks on at election headquarters on September 20, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. Prime Minister Trudeau won a third term in Monday's federal election. (Photo by Dave Chan/Getty Images) (Dave Chan/Getty Images)
Through the years LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 08: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada arrives alongside his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau to the Microsoft Theater for the opening ceremonies of the IX Summit of the Americas on June 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Leaders from North, Central and South America will travel to Los Angeles for the summit to discuss issues such as trade and migration. The United States is hosting the summit for the first time since 1994, when it took place in Miami. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Through the years LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 08: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada arrives alongside his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau to the Microsoft Theater for the opening ceremonies of the IX Summit of the Americas on June 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Leaders from North, Central and South America will travel to Los Angeles for the summit to discuss issues such as trade and migration. The United States is hosting the summit for the first time since 1994, when it took place in Miami. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Through the years LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 09: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau pose for a photo after arriving to the Getty Villa Museum for a Leaders’ Dinner on June 09, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted dinner for leaders from the IX Summit of the Americas after the first full day of meetings. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Through the years LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Trudeau arrive at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, held at Westminster Abbey, on September 19, 2022 in London, England. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and ascended the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. (Photo by Jack Hill - WPA Pool/Getty Images) (WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Through the years MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JANUARY 10: Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau pose for the media during the welcome ceremony as part of the '2023 North American Leaders' Summit at Palacio Nacional on January 10, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico. President Lopez Obrador, USA President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gather in Mexico from January 9 to 11 as part of the 10th North American Leaders' Summit. The agenda includes topics on the climate change, immigration, trade and economic integration, security among others. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) (Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Through the years LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 06: Whit Fraser, Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau attend the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 06, 2023 in London, England. The Coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the other Commonwealth realms takes place at Westminster Abbey today. Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images) (Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
“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,” the statement read.
“They 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 children’s lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together. The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.”
