Royal Family were charmed by the French President’s wife yesterday (26.03.08) during the couple’s state visit to the UK.
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Former model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and new husband Nicolas Sarkozy arrived at London’s Heathrow airport and she was immediately greeted by a kiss on the hand by Prince Charles.
Carla – who looked stylist in a grey coat and matching hat – chatted and laughed with Charles before being introduced to his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
Carla, Charles, Camilla and Sarkozy then set off for Queen Elizabeth’s Berkshire residence Windsor Castle, where they were met by the queen and husband Prince Philip.
Later that evening, the queen held a white tie state banquet, which had taken months of planning, and included a four-course meal washed down with vintage champagne.
A host of star names were among the guests including British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, French chef Michel Roux and Hollywood actor Johnny Depp. After dinner, the queen addressed the banquet, to talk about Britain’s relationship with France.
She told guests: “Within Europe, though we may – occasionally – differ, we also – far more often agree.”
The queen also awarded Sarkozy an honorary title as official gifts were exchanged between the heads of state of France and Britain. He was made an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath – an honour that has been bestowed on other world leaders.
