CARLA SHOWS BRITAIN HOW TO DO IT IN STYLE

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy arrives in Britain today

Wednesday March 26,2008

By Geoff Marsh for express.co.uk

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CARLA Bruni-Sarkozy drew comparisons with Jackie Kennedy and Diana, Princess of Wales today as she accompanied her husband on his UK tour.

The French first lady stepped off the plane in a restrained high-necked grey coat and matching hat.

The contrast could not have been more sharp than with the photographs which also emerged today - showing Ms Bruni posing naked in her modelling days.

But even Ms Bruni’s choice of footwear - flat black shoes apparently chosen to reduce the height differential with her 5ft 5in husband - attracted comment.

Tonight the couple were due to be guests of the Queen at a glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle, the main venue for the visit.

They earlier rode through the streets of Windsor in state carriages drawn by teams of white horses and surrounded by liveried footmen.

Ms Bruni, who speaks fluent English, smiled when Charles kissed her gloved hand as she stepped off their plane in spring sunshine.

Salutes were fired from Windsor and the Tower of London as the Marseillaise and God Save The Queen were played.

And amid calls for a new “Entente Amicale” between the two countries, the Queen made Mr Sarkozy an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

Before the President addressed parliamentarians, the couple paid a symbolic tribute to British war dead, pausing at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.

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WHY

27.03.08, 9:22am

Why compare her with anyone,she probably hadn't given a thought to Jackie Onassis or Diana ,why should she ?
If she was a model she probably has a head start than either of them

• Posted by: Maggie • Report Comment

I AGREE WITH ROTHERMERE'S HEARTY APPLAUSE AND 20 GUN SALUTE FOR CARLA BRUNI-SARKOSY!

27.03.08, 7:29am

Carla is the French Princess Diana and showed such poise, elegance and chic combined with gentle feminine charm.

Carla Bruni looks kind, compassionate and yet has a naughty twinkle in her eye.

The contrast with our rough Camilla sporting a British lump of a hat in tarty leopard with the inevitable feathers slammed in there as Camilla always must be well -feathered, was very stark.

The Queen and Carla Bruni-Sarkosy were a perfect match of what Queen's, Princesses and First Ladies are all about.

Camilla was dressed to fit her reputation.

Carla Bruni was dressed as a First Lady or Princess, as Princess Diana always was and as Jackie Kennedy always was.

What a difference and how refreshing!

The French should be very, very proud indeed.

• Posted by: Penny • Report Comment

WOW!

27.03.08, 4:22am

This lady has the charm, poise and "class" that only French woman seem to posess...Why is it that British and American woman who dress up just look as though they are on the game!,

• Posted by: expatriot1000 • Report Comment

INTEGRITY

26.03.08, 8:48pm

Our Queen has showed a lot more good manners and sense with our French guests than the cheap and nasty newspapers who had to dredge up Carla's old pics.
The Royal family has experienced the vitriol that some dish out with glee and will now doubt sympathise with their guests.

• Posted by: Babs • Report Comment

CARLA BRUNI-SARKOZY DESERVES A 20-GUN SALUTE ALL TO HERSELF

26.03.08, 8:20pm

It cannot have been easy to step of the plane knowing that British newspapers had her nude photograph (professionally done though it was) all over the front pages. It undoubtedly added to her nervousness in her new capacity as First Lady of France. Nonetheless, she stepped on the plane smiling, charming, looking every inch the First Lady. Nicolas Sarkozy must be so very pleased with her. They make a charming and attractive couple. I am glad for France. I hope the whole of France is proud of them.

I am so proud of them for France that I called the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., USA, to express my congratulations and admiration for the way Carla Bruni-Sarkozy carried of this difficult diplomatic assignment. This is a memorable first couple.

And I would like to add that Prince Charles gets my kudos for his chivalry. His gesture, kissing Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's hand was olde worle courtesy and charm and what England has always stood for. Kudos Prince Charles.

• Posted by: Rothaymere • Report Comment