OTTAWA, CANADA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he is mutually ending his marriage with his wife Sophie Gregoire. In his Instagram post on Wednesday, August 2, he wrote, "Hi everyone, Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversation, we have made the decision to separate. 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."

His office also confirmed the news and said the couple have ‘signed a legal separation agreement.’ The official statement said, "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." It added, "They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their children 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."

Why is Justin Trudeau separating from Sophie Gregoire?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shocked the world after filing divorce papers in court. This means Sophie Gregoire, his wife of 18 years, won't be there with him and the duo will likely share their three children, Xavier James, Ella-Grace Margaret, and Hadrien Gregoire. All seem alright and the social media post of the couple indicated their bond to be rich and growing stronger, as per People.

Trudeau’s office told that the family will be spending time together and will go ahead with their planned holidays. "[They] will be together on vacation, beginning next week."

'It's because we wanted to defend our values'

Trudeau who was sworn in as Canada’s Prime Minister in 2015 He even thanked his family during his 2021 elections' close victory. "And beyond everything I want to thank my family," he said, before expressing gratitude towards his wife and children for being by his side, always. "Sophie: 12 years ago when we decided to be involved together in politics, it's because we wanted to defend our values, because we wanted to contribute to build a stronger Canada. And since the beginning, we did that together. Thank you," the premier said at the time.

Just in April, Trudeau posted a carousel with pictures of the two in celebration of Sophie’s birthday. He captioned the post, "Happy birthday, Sophie. From this, to this, and everything in between, there’s no one I’d rather have by my side… I love you, mon amour."