Justin Trudeau hit with abusive comments after announcing split from wife of 18 years

Canada's prime minister Justin Trudeau has been the subject of some abusive messages after announcing his split with his wife of 18 years.

While you often only see only side to world leaders - the serious one that runs the country - they all have personal lives like the average Joe.

And Trudeau's personal life reached the headlines on Wednesday (2 August) as he announced he has split with his wife, Sophie Grégoire.

The pair, who tied the knot in 2005 and share three children together, announced their news in a joint statement on Instagram.

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It read: "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 we will continue to build.

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

Canada's Globe and Mail reports the pair will now share joint custody of their three children, the youngest of whom is nine.

The Canadian prime minister will remain at Rideau Cottage with the children, while Sophie has already moved to another property in Ottawa.

Trudeau's office has also released a statement confirming the pair had released a legal settlement.

Sophie will frequently visit Rideau Cottage, and will take full care of the children when Trudeau is away on work trips.

"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 began.

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"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 family will be together on vacation, beginning next week."

While the pair have seemingly parted ways in an amicable way, the Canadian prime minister has been met with abusive comments online following the announcement of the separation.

One user wrote: "How can you lead a country when you can’t lead your own family? Please divorce us."

A second added: "Everyone knew. Wish we could divorce from you as citizens."

However, one defending Trudeau penned: "These comments are mean. They’re separating and this has nothing to do with his leadership abilities."