Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau and Spouse Divorce After 18 Years

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, has ended his 18-year marriage with his wife Sophie Gr?goire Trudeau.

On the 2nd (local time), the Canadian Prime Minister's Office released a brief statement saying, "The Trudeau couple has completed signing the divorce papers." On the same day, Prime Minister Trudeau posted on Instagram, "After many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have decided to divorce," adding, "As always, we will remain a family with deep love and respect for each other, and for what we have accomplished and all that we will continue to achieve." He also requested, "Please respect our privacy for the well-being of our children."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The exact reason for the divorce has not been disclosed. The Trudeau couple was known to have had a strained relationship for some time, and they did not particularly hide this fact from the public. In recent years, the couple rarely appeared together at official events. In his 2015 autobiography ('Common Ground'), Trudeau admitted, "Our marriage is not perfect and has its ups and downs." The Trudeaus have known each other since childhood, began dating seriously in 2003, and married in 2005, having two sons and one daughter.

Sophie Gr?goire Trudeau, who has shown interest in gender equality, worked as a journalist before marriage. When Trudeau became Prime Minister at the young age of 43 in 2015, she attracted worldwide media attention alongside her husband. The New York Post even described her as "the hottest First Lady in the world."

Justin Trudeau's father, Pierre Trudeau, served as Prime Minister for a total of 17 years from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984, leaving a significant mark on Canadian political history. It is noteworthy that Pierre Trudeau also divorced in 1977 while in office, making this a painful family matter repeated across two generations for Prime Minister Trudeau. Having experienced the pain of his parents' divorce, Trudeau has often emphasized the importance of family throughout his public career.

Prime Minister Trudeau's divorce announcement came just one week after he announced a major cabinet reshuffle. On the 26th of last month, Trudeau replaced ministers in 30 out of 38 departments. This reshuffle has been analyzed as a strategic move to prepare for the 2025 general election amid declining public opinion.