Scenes from a marriage: Canada's Justin and Sophie Trudeau separate

Unexpected announcement mark the end of the couple's 18-year high-profile marriage

Last updated: August 03, 2023 | 12:05

2 MIN READ

1/10

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau unexpectedly announced their separation on Instagram on Wednesday, likely marking the end of the couple's 18-year high-profile marriage.

2/10

"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.

3/10

Trudeau, 51, and Gregoire Trudeau, 48, got married in May 2005. Ten years later, Trudeau became prime minister, landing the sharply-dressed couple in world media's spotlight.

4/10

The couple had talked frankly in the past about difficulties in their relationship and in recent years were seen less often together in public.

5/10

Trudeau, whose father Pierre Elliott Trudeau was also Canadian primer minister for 15 years, worked as a school teacher before joining politics.

6/10

Gregoire Trudeau was a former entertainment journalist and had known Trudeau since childhood. They have three children Xavier, 15, Ella Grace, 14, and nine-year-old Hadrien.

7/10

They often publicly expressed love and displayed unity, especially on birthdays and anniversaries, but over the years, their married life has seen ups and downs.

8/10

As recently as Monday, Trudeau was still wearing his wedding ring.

9/10

Justin Trudeau attends Rideau Hall with his wife Sophie Gregoire and their children Ella-Grace, Xavier and Hadrien, August 15, 2021.

10/10

Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire during a private audience at the Vatican, May 29, 2017.

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox