Emmanuel Macron, the President of France since 2017, first met his wife, Brigitte, when he was just 15 years old. At the time, Brigitte was a 39-year-old drama teacher at Le Providence, a Catholic school in northern France, where Emmanuel was a student. Despite their initial student-teacher relationship, they maintained contact while Emmanuel was in college, eventually reuniting and starting a romantic relationship.
What Were the Challenges in Their Early Relationship?
Their relationship faced significant challenges due to their 25-year age gap and Brigitte’s existing family commitments. Initially, Emmanuel’s parents assumed he was interested in Brigitte’s daughter, and when they discovered his true feelings, they sent him to a boarding school in Paris. Brigitte, who was married at the time with three children, prioritized her family and took a decade before fully committing to Emmanuel. Despite these hurdles, they stayed in touch, and their bond grew stronger over the years.
How Did Brigitte Macron’s Early Life Influence Their Relationship?
Brigitte Macron, born in 1953, was already married with three children — Sébastien, Laurence, and Tiphaine — when she met Emmanuel. She had been married for three years before Emmanuel was born in December 1977. Brigitte’s initial hesitation to pursue a relationship with Emmanuel was due to her responsibilities as a mother. She wanted to ensure her children were well-settled before making significant changes in her personal life. Eventually, she realized she needed to pursue her happiness, despite the potential impact on her children.
How Did Their Relationship Develop Over Time?
Despite their age difference, Emmanuel and Brigitte’s relationship grew stronger. They reunited when Emmanuel was in college, and Brigitte’s marriage ended in divorce. They married in 2007, a year after Brigitte’s divorce was finalized. Emmanuel publicly thanked Brigitte’s children for accepting their unconventional relationship, acknowledging their support during the wedding reception.
What Does Brigitte Macron Say About Their Age Difference?
Brigitte has been open about the complexities of their age gap. In an interview with France’s RTL radio station, she admitted that their relationship is not the model of perfection, describing being a couple as an everyday struggle, especially with a significant age difference. However, she also emphasized that she doesn’t identify with the term “cougar,” finding it offensive and not reflective of her attraction to Emmanuel, who she sees as an exception.
How Does Brigitte Macron Balance Her Role as a Mother and First Lady?
Brigitte’s three children from her first marriage have all found success in their respective careers — as a cardiologist, lawyer, and statistical engineer. Brigitte acknowledges the difficulty of balancing her personal happiness with her responsibilities as a mother. In a 2017 interview with Elle, she expressed her regret for any hurt her choices may have caused her children but stressed the importance of living her own life fully.
How Does Emmanuel Macron Describe His Relationship with Brigitte?
Emmanuel Macron has often spoken about the crucial role Brigitte plays in his life. In a 2017 CNN interview, he described her as his “anchor,” someone who keeps him honest and grounded. He emphasized that having a partner who loves him for who he is, rather than for his position or achievements, is essential for his personal balance and professional integrity.
How Do Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron Spend Time Together?
Despite their busy schedules, Emmanuel and Brigitte make a point to spend nights together whenever possible. Brigitte has mentioned in interviews that having Emmanuel by her side is a comfort, and they both strive to avoid spending nights apart. Their relationship, she describes, is like any other couple’s, with moments of agreement and disagreement, but ultimately, they support and understand each other deeply.
What Are Some Highlights of Their Public Life Together?
The Macrons have made numerous public appearances together, demonstrating their strong partnership. Notably, they have met with international leaders like President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. During a state visit to the United States in December 2022, Brigitte and Emmanuel were honored guests at the White House’s first State dinner of the Biden administration. Brigitte and Jill Biden have also shared a close bond, often described as similar to that of sisters.
How Do They Handle Public Perception of Their Relationship?
Brigitte has spoken candidly about how public perceptions of their age difference can feel like reading someone else’s story. Despite the scrutiny, they have managed to maintain a private and intimate connection that defies the public narrative. Brigitte often reflects on the uniqueness of their bond, acknowledging that while it may seem unconventional, it is a simple love story built on mutual respect and understanding.
Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron’s relationship is a testament to enduring love and partnership. Despite the challenges posed by their age difference and public scrutiny, they have built a life together grounded in deep affection and mutual support. Their story continues to inspire and captivate people worldwide, showcasing that true love knows no boundaries.