Ottawa (dpa via REUTERS)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau have announced their separation after 18 years of marriage.

“After many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate,” they both shared via Instagram on Wednesday (August 2).

“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. For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy.”

The couple got married in 2005 and have three children together – Xavier, born in 2007, Ella-Grace, born in 2009, and Hadrien, born in 2014.

Justin Trudeau is a member of the Liberal Party and has been Canada’s prime minister since 2015.

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau had previously worked as a television and radio host.