Justin Trudeau announced that he is splitting from his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau in an Instagram post.

“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,” the announcement said.

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The announcement was re-shared by Sophie. The announcement was also published in French.

According to NY Post, the former couple have signed a legal agreement, making their split official, his office said in a statement on Wednesday. The split marked the end of the couple’s 18-year marriage. “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,” it said.

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Grégoire first came across Justin Trudeau, the eldest child of then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, when they were both kids in Montreal. Grégoire and Trudeau reconnected as adults in June 2003 after being selected to co-host a charity ball. They began dating a few months later.

In October 2004, the couple became engaged. On May 28, 2005, they got married at Sainte-Madeleine d’Outremont Church in Montreal. The former couple have three children, Xavier, 15, Ella-Grace, 14, and Hadrien, 9.

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“They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment,” said the statement. “The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.”

Sophie had been notably absent from major public events since July. This included major Cabinet shuffle at Rideau Hall and a social dinner for NATO leaders and their spouses at the military alliance’s summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.