BREAKING: Justin and Sophie Trudeau announce separation

The couple have been married for just over 18 years, and have three children.

"Hi everyone," Trudeau said in an Instagram post, "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," he continued, "we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build."

Trudeau asked that people respect his family's privacy "for the well-being of [his] children."

An official statement from the prime minister's office provided more details.

"Sophie and the Prime Minister have signed a legal separation agreement," it read. "They have worked to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward."

The statement noted that the Trudeaus "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."

This is a breaking story and will be updated.