Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Grégoire, have announced the shocking news that they have decided to separate. The pair have been married for 18 years and have three children together. Trudeau shed light on his situation via Instagram.
Trudeau wrote in an Instagram post, “Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate.” He continues, “As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, say they are separating after 18 years of marriage. https://t.co/9cdmq6axLC
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 2, 2023
Trudeau asked that everyone respect his family’s privacy during this sensitive time for the “well-being of (his) children.” An official statement from the prime minister’s office gave more insight into the situation. The message also confirmed their separation.
The prime minister’s office stated, “Sophie and the Prime Minister have signed a legal separation agreement. 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.”
Grégoire met Trudeau, the oldest son of Pierre Trudeau when they were growing up in Montreal. Grégoire was a classmate and friend of the youngest Trudeau son, Michel. She and Justin ended up reconnecting in June 2003 when they were assigned to co-host a charity ball.
They began dating several months later and got engaged in October 2004. The couple married on May 28, 2005, at Montreal’s Sainte-Madeleine d’Outremont Church. Grégoire and Trudeau have three kids, including Xavier James, born in 2007; Ella-grace Margaret, born in 2009; and Hadrien Grégoire, born in 2014.
When the two met, it was before Trudeau decided to enter politics and become the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Grégoire worked in a newsroom, writing the news ticker. When she discovered an opening at the Quebec television station LCN, she applied and successfully obtained the position.
The PMO message about their separation also stated, “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.”
