Sarkozy kept wedding plans a near state secret

The president8217;s third marriage again put him on front pages around the world because of his private life, a phenomenon which polls say is costing him support at home from voters who would rather he worked on France8217;s problems.

But it does allow Bruni to accompany Sarkozy on a state visit to Britain in March as France8217;s first lady. The couple will have tea with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

Lebel, whose eighth arrondissement includes the Elysee Palace, explained the lengths taken to preserve the couple8217;s 8220;discretion8221; as their whirlwind romance ended in an exchange of vows.

The presidency only confirmed the event several hours after it happened and Sarkozy had warned reporters last month that if there was a wedding the media would only find out about it afterwards.

8220;The banns were not published because the president of the republic obtained, as is often the case, special dispensation from the prosecutor of the republic,8221; the mayor told reporters yesterday.

Sarkozy also obtained special permission from the local prosecutor to hold the civil ceremony at the Elysee Palace instead of the town hall, which would normally be used.