Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau separates from wife Sophie

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau are separating after 18 years of marriage. 

Key points:The pair were married in 2005 and have three children togetherThey say they still have a "deep love and respect for each other" Mr Trudeau's father, former PM Pierre Trudeau, also separated from his wife while in office 

The two made the decision after "many meaningful and difficult conversations", they wrote on Instagram.

"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." 

Mr Trudeau's office said both had signed a legal separation agreement.

The Canadian leader was sworn into office in 2015.

Sophie Trudeau is a former model and TV host.

Mr Trudeau's office said both had signed a legal separation agreement.(AP: Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

The couple were married in 2005 and have three children together.

The family will holiday together next week, according to Mr Trudeau's office. 

"They remain a close family, and Sophie and the prime minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment," the statement read. 

His office asked for their privacy.

The pair met as children but later reconnected when they co-hosted a 2003 charity gala. 

Mr Trudeau's father and mother separated in 1979. 

Former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau was in his final year in office when they divorced in 1984. 

AP