Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie separate

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has separated from his wife, he announced via Instagram.

Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau have been married since 2005 and have three children together.

The pair are asking for their privacy to be respected.

In a statement shared on both of their official Instagram accounts they wrote, "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.

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

The pair met in 2003 and married two years later. Sophie was already a well-known TV personality and the couple quickly became a power couple in Canada.

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