Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, have announced their separation after 18 years of marriage. The news comes as a video of an awkward kiss between the couple resurfaced on social media.
In the video, Trudeau leans in to give his wife a kiss during a press event, but she quickly turns away. Many took this as a sign of tension in their relationship. Twitter user @KirkLubimov captioned the video, stating that it had been obvious for a few years that Grégoire couldn’t stand Trudeau. The video has garnered over 10.5K views since being posted after the news of their separation broke.
Trudeau took to Instagram to share the announcement, stating, 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 couple has three children together, two sons aged 15 and 9, and a 14-year-old daughter. The Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed that they have signed a legal separation agreement.
Grégoire, a former television presenter from Quebec, has been a prominent figure in Trudeau’s political career, though she has taken on a less visible role in recent years. The couple first met as children when Grégoire was a classmate of Trudeau’s younger brother. They reconnected as adults at a charity gala in 2003 and got married in May 2005. They initially resided in Montreal but moved to Ottawa in 2010 when Trudeau was elected as a member of parliament. He went on to become the leader of the Liberal Party in 2013 and was elected as prime minister in 2015. He was reelected in 2019.
Trudeau is now the second Canadian prime minister to announce a separation while in office. The first was his father, Pierre Trudeau, who separated from his wife, Margaret, in 1979 and divorced her in 1984. Pierre Trudeau was also a member of the Liberal Party and served as prime minister from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984.
Last year, Grégoire shared her thoughts on long-term relationships on Instagram, highlighting the challenges they bring. She emphasized the importance of constant work, compromise, and love that keeps one safe, sets them free, and helps them grow.
As the news of Trudeau’s separation spreads, Canadians are reminded of the personal lives of their leaders. While political accomplishments are crucial, it is also essential to recognize the human aspects of those in power. Trudeau’s decision to openly discuss his separation shows transparency and signals the importance of prioritizing personal well-being.
In the coming weeks, Trudeau will undoubtedly face public scrutiny and questions about his personal life. However, it is crucial to remember that leaders, like Trudeau, are human beings facing the same challenges and struggles as anyone else. As the country moves forward, it is important to respect the privacy of the Trudeau family and offer support during this difficult time.
