Sarkozy, Bruni back in UK

The glamour couple of Europe will return to the UK today hoping they will not endure a difficult time from the British media.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy was forced to laugh off rumours about his marriage to singer and former model Carla Bruni during his last visit to the UK. He was questioned about claims circulating on the internet that they were both having affairs.

The mainstream French media largely ignored the reports, although one newspaper claimed they were the result of a hoax by a journalism student who wanted to see how far the rumour would spread.

However, newspapers and broadcasters in some other countries – including the UK - felt less constrained in referring to the claims, which remain unverified.

During his last visit in March Mr Sarkozy said: “I love Britain – don’t make me bite back those words.”

France’s glamorous first lady did not accompany her husband during the last short political visit but wowed British observers when she and Mr Sarkozy came on a state visit to the UK two years ago.

Bruni brushed off the rumours as “insignificant”.

Since Mr Sarkozy became president in May 2007 his private life has enthralled the international media. Rumours about his relationship appeared in numerous gossip columns and tabloid newspapers and magazines.

The couple married in Paris in February 2008 after weeks of intense speculation about their whirlwind relationship.

The wedding was the third for Mr Sarkozy, who has three sons. It was the first for Bruni, who has a young son from a previous relationship.

The French president was divorced from his previous wife in 2007. Bruni has dated Mick Jagger and Donald Trump in the past.