Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie separating after 18 years of marriage

Canadian Prime Minsiter Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau jointly announced on Wednesday that they will be separating, following “many meaningful and difficult conversations.”

“As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and continue to build,” the prime minister wrote in a statement on Instagram.

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

The separation comes after 18 years of marriage.

They have three children together: Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien.

“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,” the prime minister’s office told Reuters.

The family will be on vacation together next week, Mr Trudeau’s office told ABC News.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information.