Sarko’s pre-Windsor makeover

French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been advised to behave in a more statesmanlike manner, starting with his visit to Windsor on March 26 as a guest of the Queen. No more Ray-Bans and jogging shorts, no more public kisses and cuddles with new wife Carla Bruni, and definitely no more texting on his mobile while in meetings with heads of state - all of these are high on the list of his advisors' new do's and don't's.

Sarkozy's popularity has plummeted in recent months and many of his aides believe the poor results for his centre-right party in the weekend's local elections are as much to do with his personal style as his policies.

"He spent too much time being seen doing things other than being president," said an aide before the extent of the Socialist gains was apparent. These included his very public split with his former wife, Cecilia, and his equally high-profile, high-speed romance with the model-turned-singer Bruni.

The text-messaging has been one of his more shocking habits: he did it during an audience with Pope Benedict, and then again in a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. "It is embarrassing and extremely discourteous," said a French diplomat unused to such casual behaviour from the president.

Carla, meanwhile, is doing a lot better with the /comme-il-faut/ brigade.
She was evidently a ravishing hostess at her debut state banquet - in honour of Israeli president Shimon Peres (pictured) - and has been taking lessons on how to curtsey before she meets the Queen.