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

The two made separate announcements on their respective social media pages on Wednesday.

In the post, they said the decision came after “many meaningful and difficult conversations.”

“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,” said the post.

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

Trudeau met Grégoire in 2002 after returning home to Montreal from British Columbia.

The two married in 2005 and have three children together: Xavier, Ella-Grace and Hadrien.

A statement was also released by the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the separation.

It said that Trudeau and Grégoire 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,” said the statement.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the family will be together on vacation beginning next week.