Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau announced their separation after 18 years of marriage. The unexpected announcement comes as a surprise to many, as the couple had talked openly about the difficulties in their relationship in the past.

Trudeau's father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, also went through a separation while in office in 1977. The separation marks one of the biggest personal crises for Trudeau since becoming prime minister in 2015. Trudeau often emphasizes the importance of family life, making the news even more significant.

The announcement comes just a week after Trudeau unveiled a cabinet shuffle in an effort to boost his Liberal Party's standings in the polls. Despite the separation, Trudeau remains determined to lead the Liberals into the next election. Trudeau and Sophie have signed a legal agreement and will focus on raising their three children together.

They plan to go on vacation as a family next week. Sophie will be moving into separate accommodation in Ottawa but will spend plenty of time with the children in the prime minister's official residence. The couple's high-profile marriage has captured the attention of the media since Trudeau became prime minister in 2015.

They were often seen together at social functions and on foreign trips, with the New York Post dubbing Sophie "the hottest first lady in the world." However, signs of stress in the relationship became more apparent in recent years, as joint appearances became less frequent.

Trudeau and Sophie's separation has prompted requests for privacy from the couple, as they prioritize the well-being of their children. Trudeau's office has stated that all legal and ethical steps regarding the separation have been taken and will continue to be addressed moving forward.

As they navigate this new chapter in their lives, Trudeau and Sophie remain a close family focused on raising their children in a safe and loving environment.