Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau speak at the 2017 Juno Awards at Canadian Tire Centre on April 2, 2017 in Ottawa, Canada.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau speak at the 2017 Juno Awards at Canadian Tire Centre on April 2, 2017 in Ottawa, Canada.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau are separating. 
  • The couple was married for 18 years. They have three children: Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien. 
  • Justin and Sophie, who met as kids, said in a statement that they will "remain a close family."
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau met as kids, but only began a romantic relationship after reconnecting as adults in the early 2000s.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire during the G20 Summit on July 7, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau during the G20 Summit on July 7, 2017, in Hamburg, Germany.

Sophie, 48, and Justin, 51, first crossed paths growing up in the Mount Royal suburb of Montreal. A few years younger than her future husband, Sophie was a childhood friend and classmate of his younger brother Michel Trudeau, she told the Canadian magazine Maclean. Michel later died in an avalanche in 1998 while skiing with friends at Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park in British Columbia, the Montreal Gazette reported.

Sophie told Maclean she recalled having her first kiss with Justin when they were kids in his childhood home. "We would hide in the closet to have our first kiss," she said. 

Over time, the pair fell out of touch. Sophie went on to become an entertainment journalist. Meanwhile, Justin went into teaching and gradually began carving out a political career, following in the footsteps of his father Pierre Trudeau, who served as Canada's 15th prime minister. But in June 2003, Sophie and Justin ran each other as adults while cohosting a charity event in Montreal. 

The pair told Vogue in 2016 that they spent the entire evening flirting and chatting, which prompted Sophie to reach out to Justin the next day via email, suggesting they spend time together. Justin didn't respond. 

"I knew if I responded even slightly," he said, "we'd wind up going for coffee, and that would be the last date I'd ever have in my life."

Eventually, they ended up bumping into each other a few months later and Justin said he asked Sophie out to dinner. She told the magazine she was hesitant to say yes, but eventually agreed. 

"I'm a dreamer and a romantic," Sophie said. "At the end of dinner, he said, 'I'm 31 years old, and I've been waiting for you for 31 years.' And we both cried like babies." 

2005: The couple tied the knot in front of friends and family at a church wedding in Montreal.
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau at the Sainte-Madeleine D'Outremont Church, Montreal, after their wedding on May 28, 2005.
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau at the Sainte-Madeleine D'Outremont Church, Montreal, after their wedding on May 28, 2005.

After two years of dating, Justin, then 33, and Sophie, then 30, got married at the Sainte-Madeleine D'Outremont Church in Montreal. According to Maclean's, the ceremony was attended by around 180 guests, including Justin's mother Margaret Trudeau.

She told the publication the happiness surrounding Sophie and Justin's wedding contrasted previous times the family had gathered at Montreal for more somber occasions, such as for the funeral of her ex-husband Pierre in September 2000. 

"The past two times my family has come to Montreal for family occasions it's been extraordinarily sorrowful," she said. "This time it is joyful, so we're all savouring the fact that we're here to celebrate such happiness in our family."

The wedding was also somewhat of an intimate and semi-traditional event, and by choice. Justin told the publication they didn't invite dignitaries or political figures because if they did, the guest list could've ended up in the thousands. "For me, the guest list was either going to be under 200 or over 1,000—and there was no way it was going to be 1,000," he said. 

Meanwhile, Sophie said they decided to forgo the tradition of having a wedding cake. "I find that people never eat it," she said. "You take this tacky picture cutting the cake. So I said, 'No! Let's do something different!'"

2007: As Justin's political career took off, Sophie began transitioning away from entertainment reporting.
Justin Trudeau kisses Sophie Gregoire Trudeau at the Liberal nomination meeting in Montreal in April, 2007.
Justin Trudeau kisses Sophie Grégoire Trudeau at the Liberal nomination meeting in Montreal in April, 2007.

In 2007, Justin won the nomination for the Liberal party candidacy in Montreal's Papineau district, according to CBC. The victory was an early sign of the former drama teacher's political ambitions.

In his victory speech, he drew parallels between himself and his father Pierre, who won a similar election in 1965. "You can understand how fiercely proud I am to be able to say that your prime minister was also my dad," Justin said. 

During the nomination meeting, Justin was photographed with Sophie by his side. And while her husband was carving his career out, Sophie was pivoting her own. Prior to Justin's political career, Sophie was a Quebec correspondent for television network CTV's entertainment show "eTalk Daily" covering celebrities and their philanthropic work, according to a 2005 press release

In her interview with Vogue in 2016, she said she took a step back from reporting. Instead, the magazine reported she focused on becoming a certified yoga instructor as well as a public speaker on topics such as health, women's issues, and eating disorders.

 

October 2007: Justin and Sophie welcome their first child, Xavier.
Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, and their son Xavier on April 9, 2017 in Vimy, France
Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, and their son Xavier on April 9, 2017, in Vimy, France

On what would've been the 88th birthday of Justin's father Pierre, Sophie gave birth to her and Justin's first son, Xavier Trudeau, who was born at 9-pounds, 2-ounces, according to the Toronto Star.

Sharing the happy news with, CTV "eTalk" program, Justin said: "Mom and baby are doing wonderfully."

February 2009: The couple welcome their second child, Ella-Grace.
ustin Trudeau and his wife Sophie kiss their daughter Ella-Grace during the Liberal Stampede breakfast during the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede in Calgary on July 7, 2012.
Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie kiss their daughter Ella-Grace during the Liberal Stampede breakfast during the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede in Calgary on July 7, 2012.

Ella-Grace Margaret Trudeau, named after her paternal grandmother and great-grandmother, was born on February 5 in Montreal, Canada, according to People.

2013: Justin won the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada with Sophie by his side.
Justin Trudeau iand Sophie Gregoire Trudeau after he won the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada in Ottawa April 14, 2013.
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau after he won the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada in Ottawa April 14, 2013.

Justin told voters in his victory speech that he accepted his Liberal party leadership with "great humility," CTV reported at the time.

"My fellow Liberals, it is with great respect for those who have stood in this place before me and great resolve to do the hard work that is required in front of us that I accept with great humility the confidence you have placed in me," he said. 

2013: The couple also celebrated the political win with their children.
Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Xavier, and Ella-Grace react after he was named the new leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in Ottawa on April 14, 2013.
Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Xavier, and Ella-Grace react after he was named the new leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in Ottawa on April 14, 2013.

After his landslide victory, in which he won more than 80% of the leadership party votes, Justin also said the work was only getting started, according to the Toronto Star.

"Let us be clear-eyed about what we have accomplished. We have worked hard and we have had a great campaign. We are united, hopeful and resolute in our purpose," he said. "But know this: we have won nothing more and nothing less than the opportunity to work even harder."

February 2014: The couple welcomed their youngest son, Hadrien Trudeau.
Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and their children Hadrien, Ella-Grace, and Xavier in Montreal on October 19, 2015.
Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and their children Hadrien, Ella-Grace, and Xavier in Montreal on October 19, 2015.

After announcing Sophie was pregnant for the third time in August 2013, the couple welcomed the birth of their second son Hadrien Trudeau in February 2014. 

Justin shared the news with a sweet photograph of his newborn clutching onto his finger on Twitter, writing that Xavier and Ella-Grace "couldn't be prouder" of their newest family member. 

2014: Justin wrote about Sophie and their marriage in his memoir "Common Ground."
Justin Trudeau at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada on November 27, 2014.
Justin Trudeau at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Canada on November 27, 2014.

"Our marriage isn't perfect, and we have had difficult ups and downs, yet Sophie remains my best friend, my partner, my love," Justin wrote in his memoir, according to Reuters. "We are honest with each other, even when it hurts."

2015: Sophie joined Justin on the campaign trail as he sought election as Canada's prime minister.
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau at a campaign rally in Brampton, Ontario, Canada October 4, 2015.
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau at a campaign rally in Brampton, Ontario, Canada October 4, 2015.

The couple were also frequently joined by their three children on the campaign trail, which was Canada's longest ever at 78 days, The Globe and Mail reported at the time. 

 

2015: Sophie said "no marriage is easy" during an interview with Global News.
Sopie Grégoire Trudeau at Toronto's Fairmont Royal Hotel on Wednesday April 10, 2013.
Sopie Grégoire Trudeau at Toronto's Fairmont Royal Hotel on Wednesday April 10, 2013.

Speaking to Global News in 2015, Sophie said she and Justin had experienced "hardship" in their relationship. 

"No marriage is easy," she said, adding that she was "almost kind of proud of the fact that we've had hardship."

"We want authenticity. We want truth," Sophie added. "We want to grow closer as individuals through our lifetime and we're both dreamers and we want to be together for as long as we can."

October 2015: Justin and Sophie shared a sweet moment as he gave his victory speech after being elected prime minister of Canada.
Justin Trudeau shares a moment with Sophie Gregoire Trudeau as he gives his victory speech after Canada's federal election in Montreal, Quebec, October 19, 2015.
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau in Montreal, Quebec, October 19, 2015.

In their joint Vogue interview following Justin's victory, Sophie, who effectively became Canada's First Lady, said she still primarily saw herself as a mother and a wife. 

"One of my duties is to really stay grounded," she said. 

Justin added that he regarded him and Sophie as "partners," and more so than his "mother and father were ever able to be." Justin's parents finalized their divorce in 1984 after separating while Pierre was prime minister in 1977, according to People.

November 2015: Justin was sworn in as Canada's 23rd prime minister with Sophie by his side.
Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire hold hands before he is sworn-in as Canada's 23rd prime minister during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa November 4, 2015.
Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire hold hands before he was sworn-in as Canada's 23rd prime minister during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on November 4, 2015.

Sophie was among those watching as Justin, who was 43 at the time, became the second youngest prime minister in Canadian history. 

According to The Guardian, after being sworn in, Justin mouthed "I love you" to his family. 

March 2016: Sophie and Justin visited the Obamas at the White House, marking the first official visit to the White House made by a Canadian prime minister in nearly 20 years.
U.S. President Barack Obama (R), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau (L) pose from a balcony as they take part in an arrival ceremony for the Trudeaus at the White House in Washington March 10, 2016
U.S. President Barack Obama (R), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau (L) pose from a balcony as they take part in an arrival ceremony for the Trudeau's at the White House in Washington March 10, 2016.

Just months into his tenure as prime minister, Justin became the first Canadian prime minister to official visit to Washington DC in 19 years, according to CBC. He made the journey to the US with Sophie.

The couple established a close friendship with the Obamas during the state visit. During an event hosted at the Institute of Peace, Michelle Obama called Sophie her "soul mate" and joked that they had "already gotten into trouble," according to a press release.

"We're going to be in a lot of trouble before this visit is over," she added. 

Meanwhile, Justin and Barack Obama also appeared to develop a close bond. A few months after the visit during the North American Leaders' Summit in Ottawa, Canada, the pair posed for a selfie shared to the Obama White House Instagram captioned: "True bromance."

September 2016: Justin and Sophie also developed a friendship with Prince William and Kate Middleton during the royals' tour of Canada.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Britain's Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, react while watching children play during a visit to the Immigrant Services Society in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, September 25, 2016.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Britain's Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, react while watching children play during a visit to the Immigrant Services Society in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, September 25, 2016.

According to a royal press release, William and Kate were "incredibly grateful" to be invited to visit Canada by Justin in 2016. They'd previously visited Canada shortly after tying the knot in 2011. 

During the tour, the couple were accompanied by their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. 

Justin greeted the royals upon their arrival in Victoria. A clip of his futile attempts to high five and shake hands with George, who was three at the time, went viral, according to The Guardian.

2018: The couple and their children found themselves in hot water during a state visit to India where they faced accusations of cultural appropriation.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Ella Grace, Hadrien, and Xavier during their visit to Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, India, February 19, 2018
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Ella Grace, Hadrien, and Xavier during their visit to Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad, India, February 19, 2018

On several occasions during the visit, the Trudeau family were photographed appearing to dress in traditional Indian clothing. At the time, it triggered a lot of discussion on social media and among prominent Indian personalities about whether their outfits could be considered cultural appropriation.

2019: Sophie once again joined Justin on stage after he was re-elected as Canada's prime minister in 2019.
Liberal leader and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kisses his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau after the federal election at the Palais des Congres in Montreal, Quebec, Canada October 22, 2019.
Liberal leader and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kisses his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau after the federal election at the Palais des Congres in Montreal, Quebec, Canada October 22, 2019.

During his victory speech, Justin thanked Sophie and told her he loved her according to a transcript shared by Macleans.

"First of all, my Sophie. We began this political adventure together ten years ago because we believed in a better future, because we knew that it was worthwhile fighting for a better, more prosperous Canada. Sophie, I love you," he said. 

Justin also shared praise for all three of his children, whom he said inspire him "to do more and do better."

"And everything I do, I do for you and for your generation," he said. "You remind me every single day that I have to take some time to appreciate the life we have and how lucky we are. 

2021: The couple held hands as they received their COVID-19 vaccines together.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds hands with his wife Sophie Gregoire before being inoculated with AstraZeneca's vaccine against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a pharmacy in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada April 23, 2021.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds hands with his wife Sophie Gregoire before being inoculated with AstraZeneca's vaccine against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at a pharmacy in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada April 23, 2021.

"Can you hold my hand," Justin told Sophie in a 2021 video shared by Global News before receiving his dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Previously in 2020, Sophie tested positive for the coronavirus and Justin and their children had to isolate. The New York Times reported that Justin took on full parenting duties while Sophie was sick.

"You could hear the kids running around laughing, and playing in the background, and coming over saying, 'Come on daddy, let's do this,'" Ben Chin, the prime minister's senior adviser, told The New York Times, adding: "You heard the half-muffled reasonable dad voice: 'Daddy's on an important phone call right now. I can't do that.'"

2021: Justin spoke out against a protestor who shouted obscenities about him and Sophie before an interview.
Canada's Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks as his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau shields her eyes from the sun during an election campaign stop in Montreal, Quebec, Canada September 16, 2021.
Canada's Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks as his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau shields her eyes from the sun during an election campaign stop in Montreal, Quebec, Canada September 16, 2021.

According to CBC, the anti COVID-19 vaccination protester began yelling profanities at Justin before an interview with Global News in Burnaby, British Columbia. The interview was supposed to take place outside but moved indoors when the individual began shouting obscenities at Justin and making derogatory remarks about Sophie. 

In a video of the interaction, Justin responded to the protestor by asking: "Isn't there a hospital you should be going to bother right now?" 

A day later, Justin defended his comment. "He went after my family. He said hateful, misogynistic things about my wife," he said. 

"I signed up for this. My family believes deeply in what I'm doing and put up with an awful lot. But everyone has limits," Justin added. "I will always be there to try to push back when someone crosses those lines."

November 2022: Sophie appeared on Meghan Markle's "Archetypes" podcast and said women "long to be free in who we are."
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau attends World Eating Disorders Action Day Luncheon 2023 National Alliance For Eating Disorders x Mental Health Coalition at United Nations on June 2, 2023 in New York City.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau attends World Eating Disorders Action Day Luncheon 2023 National Alliance For Eating Disorders x Mental Health Coalition at United Nations on June 2, 2023, in New York City.

Sophie appeared on the "Good Wife/Bad Wife, Good Mom/Bad Mom" episode of Archetypes.

Introducing Sophie, Meghan called her a "dear friend," a mother, a wife, a humanitarian, and activist who she'd known for roughly seven years. 

During the podcast, Sophie said women should continue to challenge societal expectations put on them when they become wives and mothers. 

"We all long to be free in who we are," she said. "We often define freedom as a way to be free from the world, but it's really a way to be free in the world."

 

August 2023: Justin and Sophie announced they are separating after 18 years of marriage.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau attend a Canada Day event in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada July 1, 2023
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau attend a Canada Day event in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada July 1, 2023.

Sophie and Justin were last photographed in public for a Canada Day event in Ottawa on July 1. 

Just over a month later on August 2, the couple shared nearly identical statements in both French and English on Instagram announcing their separation

"Hi everyone, Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate. As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build," the statement posted to Justin's account read.

"For the well-being of our children, we ask that ou respect our and their privacy. Thank you," it concluded. 

The couple have not announced if they plan to seek a divorce, through Reuters reported Justin's office said they had signed a legal document and will be focusing on raising their children. 

A source told the publication that Sophie is set to move out of Rideau Cottage, the official residence of the prime minister where she and Justin's children will remain living. The source said she will continue to spend time there.

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