Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces split from wife Sophie after 18 years

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, announced Wednesday they are splitting after 18 years of marriage.

The couple said on Instagram that "after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate."

The couple, who got married in 2005, signed a legal separation agreement, the prime minister's office said, according to The Associated Press.

The two have three children ages 9, 14 and 15.

"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 couple said. 

The prime minister's office said the family plans on going on vacation together starting next week and asked for the public to respect their privacy.

Trudeau is the second prime minister, after his father, Pierre Trudeau, to announce a separation while leading Canada. 

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