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The Real Life Prince Eric Is Dumping His ‘Princess’

Ariel and Eric in Boat splitting image
Credit: Disney / Canva Editing

A few years ago, the Internet was abuzz with stories about the ‘real-life Prince Eric.’

Who was it? Just your run-of-the-mill Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau.

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The IRL Prince Eric

In fact, a story by Elle Magazine from 2017 points to a few similarities.

Kiss the Girl Scene Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid

Credit: Disney

Most of them are calling out similarities in his physical features, including his facial expressions, wearing white shirts with the sleeves rolled up, hanging out with redheads, and having a fairytale wedding.

The idea that he is Prince Eric didn’t just stop there. The idea also existed, across social media, including Twitter, with some posting lines like “Justin Trudeau is secretly Prince Eric from the little mermaid.”

But it seems not all endings are happily ever after…after all.

The Prime Minister and Wife Calling It Quits

It’s been recently announced that this real-life Prince Eric (AKA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau) is separating from his Princess Ariel (AKA Sophie Gregoire Trudeau) after 18 years. Details have yet to come out, but we wonder if the Prime Minister found his Vanessa…or at the very least lost interest in his Ariel.

“Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Instagram referencing his wife.

I can’t say I recall the Disney characters of Prince Eric and Ariel separating. But then again, I don’t think I’ve seen every direct-to-video sequel or episode of the The Little Mermaid TV series.

The Little Mermaid

Credit: Disney

In all seriousness, though, it must be difficult on the Prime Minister, his wife, and their three children. Reuters said the two have appeared less publicly together in recent years. However, it has been reported that as of Monday, July 31, Justin Trudeau was still wearing his wedding ring. So perhaps not all hope is lost for the real-life Prince Eric and his bride.

RELATED: ‘Disney Princess’ Sued for Sexual Harassment, Assault, and Discrimination

About Steven Wilk

Steven has a complicated relationship with Disney. As a child, he visited Walt Disney World every few years with his family. But he never understood why kids his age (and older) were so scared of Snow White or Alien Encounter. He is a former participant of the Disney College Program (left early…long story), and he also previously worked in Children’s publishing, where he adapted multiple Disney movies and TV shows. He has many controversial opinions about Disney…like having a positive view of Michael Eisner, believing Return of the Jedi is superior to The Empire Strikes Back, and that Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge should have never been built (at least not at Hollywood Studios). Every year for the past two decades, Steven has visited either Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani or went on a Disney Cruise. He’s happy to share any and all knowledge of the Disney destinations (and he likes using parenthesis a lot…as well as ellipses…)