Canadian PM Justin Trudeau separates with his wife Sophie Gregoire

“After many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate,” the statements said.

“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 have had an unusually high international profile for a Canadian leader’s family, including a splashy spread in Vogue magazine shortly after Trudeau was first elected to office in 2015.

When US President Joe Biden visited Canada in March, Gregoire Trudeau took First Lady Jill Biden on an excursion through Ottawa, including a visit to a local curling rink.

She has a two-book deal with Penguin Random House Canada. The first, on wellness for adults, will be published in 2024 and the second, a picture book for children, is set for 2025.

The couple have three children, Xavier, 15, Ella Grace, 14, and Hadrien, nine.

The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement saying the couple have signed a legal separation agreement.

“They remain a close family and Sophie and the prime minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment. Both parents will be a constant presence in their children’s lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together,” the office said.

“The family will be together on vacation, beginning next week.”