Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Trudeau of 18 years have decided to end their marriage.

In a shocking announcement, the former couple stated on Instagram: ““Hi everyone, Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversations, 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 For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy. Thank you.”

Here is a look at their relationship timeline:

The pair met for the first time as children as both of them were growing up in Montreal. They did not speak to each other much because of their age difference. At the time, Sophie was a school classmate of Justin’s younger brother.

Also Read | Sophie Grégoire Trudeau: Net worth, age, ex-husband Justin Trudeau, children, career and more

2003

Their paths crossed once more in 2003 when both of them were attending a charity event. After some alleged flirting at the event, Sophie sent him an email but he didn’t respond. “I knew if I responded even slightly, we’d wind up going for coffee, and that would be the last date I’d ever have in my life,” he told Vogue.

He apologized for not responding to her email and asked her on a date. She initially said no but eventually said yes and they ended up enjoying an unbelievable date.

“I’m a dreamer and a romantic,” Sophie told Vogue, “and at the end of dinner, he said, ‘I’m 31 years old, and I’ve been waiting for you for 31 years.’ And we both cried like babies.”

2005

They got married in 2005 in Montreal.

Also Read | Justin Trudeau announces split from wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau on Instagram

2007, 2009, 2014

They share three children together. Xavier James, the eldest child, was born on October 18, 2007. Ella-Grace Margaret is the second child. She was born on February 5, 2009. Hadrien Grégoire is the youngest. He was born on February 28, 2014.

2015

During his campaign trail for 2015 Canadian election, Justin was always quick to give props to his partner Sophie. Just before the election, he tweeted (in French), “Thank you, #MyLove (and, I should say, Sophie!) for all your door knocking and the work you have done in this campaign.”

Ever since Justin assumed office in 2015, they always made sure they found time for each other, continuing to focus on their family, namely, their relationship, as well as their three kids. “One of my duties is to really stay grounded,” Sophie told Vogue. Justin also said at the time that he appreciated all the support that he received from Sophie. “We’re more partners,” he told Vogue, “than my mother and father were ever able to be.”