Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie have decided to separate after 18 years of marriage, following heartfelt and challenging discussions.

In an Instagram post, the couple stated their commitment to remaining a close-knit family filled with love and respect. They got married in Montreal in 2005 and share three children.

Although they have signed a separation agreement, Mr. Trudeau's office affirmed that they will continue to make public appearances together.

"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 statement said, adding they would be on holiday as a family next week.

Sophie Grégoire Trudeau will no longer take part in official duties, nor will the government help in arranging her own appearances, Canadian media reports.

The couple has asked for privacy for the "well-being" of their children, Xavier, 15, Ella-Grace 14, and Hadrien, nine.

"We remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build," Mr Trudeau, 51, and Ms Grégoire Trudeau, 48, said.

They have been seen together publicly less frequently in recent years, though they attended the coronation of King Charles III together in May and hosted US President Joe Biden in Canada in March.

When Mr. Trudeau first became prime minister in 2015, the couple appeared in a high-profile Vogue spread where she told the magazine that at the end of dinner after their first date, he said, "I'm 31 years old, and I've been waiting for you for 31 years".

In a wedding anniversary post on Instagram in May 2022, Ms. Grégoire Trudeau wrote about the challenges of long-term relationships, saying "We have navigated through sunny days, heavy storms, and everything in between".

Mr. Trudeau has also spoken about the challenges in their marriage, writing in his 2014 autobiography: "Our marriage isn't perfect, and we have had difficult ups and downs, yet Sophie remains my best friend, my partner, my love. We are honest with each other, even when it hurts."

The two began dating in 2003 when Ms. Grégoire Trudeau was working as a TV personality. She is also known for her charity work around mental health and eating disorders.

Coincidentally, Ms. Grégoire Trudeau had been at school with Mr. Trudeau's younger brother, Michel.

Mr. Trudeau is the second Canadian prime minister to announce separation while in office. The first was his father, the late Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and mother Margaret Trudeau, who announced their split in 1977 after six years together. They later divorced.

Wonders shall never cease.