Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie on announced their separation after 18 years of marriage. The couple openly discussed past relationship challenges and had been seen less frequently together in public in recent years.
Trudeau, 51, and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, 48, were married in May 2005 and have three children, aged 15, 14 and nine. On their anniversary in 2020, he described her as “my rock, my partner, and my best friend.”
“Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate,” Trudeau said on Instagram. Gregoire Trudeau posted an almost identical message on her own Instagram account.
The development is one of the biggest personal crises for Trudeau since taking office in 2015. This came as he unveiled a substantial cabinet shuffle, aiming to bolster his Liberal Party’s position in the polls. Despite trailing in popularity, Trudeau was determined to lead the Liberals into the upcoming election scheduled for October 2025.
Netizen reacted saying that the development is ‘shocking’ and others say, ‘divorces break children’
Trudeau’s father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, separated from his wife, Margaret, in 1977, when he was in office.
Many took to internet, to remind the painful historical parallels.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corp said Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, one of Trudeau’s closest allies, would brief members of the cabinet later on Wednesday.
The CBC also said Trudeau was likely to speak publicly about the separation this week.
Trudeau’s office said the two had signed a legal agreement, stressing that the couple would focus on raising their children. The family will go on vacation together next week.
As per a Reuters report, Gregoire Trudeau will be moving into separate accommodation in Ottawa but plans to spend plenty of time with the children in Rideau Cottage, the prime minister’s official residence, to ensure they have as normal an upbringing as possible.
A source close to the news agency, who requested anonymity because of the extreme sensitivity of the situation, said the couple would have joint custody of the children.
(With agency inputs)
