French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have a unique and inspiring love story that has captivated many. Their relationship, marked by a significant age gap and an unconventional beginning, showcases a deep connection and unwavering support for each other.
Meeting in High School: A Teacher-Student Connection
Emmanuel Macron first met Brigitte when he was just 15 years old, a student at Le Providence, a Catholic school in northern France. Brigitte, who was 39 at the time, was his drama teacher. Despite the significant age difference, a strong bond formed between them. Initially,
Emmanuel’s parents thought he was interested in Brigitte’s daughter, but when they discovered his true feelings, they sent him to boarding school in Paris. Brigitte admitted in a November 2023 interview with Paris Match that she never imagined having a relationship with such a young student, saying, “For me, such a young boy was crippling.”
A Decade of Waiting: Prioritizing Family and Responsibilities
Despite their separation, Emmanuel and Brigitte kept in touch. Brigitte, who was married at the time and had three children, prioritized her family over her budding relationship with Emmanuel. It took ten years before Brigitte felt ready to fully commit to Emmanuel, stating, “That lasted 10 years, the time to put them on the rails. You can imagine what they were hearing, but I didn’t want to miss out on my life.”
The Age Gap: Overcoming Societal Judgments
Brigitte Macron is 25 years older than Emmanuel, a fact that has drawn both curiosity and criticism. She was already married for three years before Emmanuel was born in December 1977. In an interview with France’s RTL radio station, Brigitte acknowledged the challenges of their age gap, saying,
“We are not a model couple. Of course we are not the ideal couple. Being a couple is complicated, it’s an everyday struggle. When you have a big age difference, it can be even more complicated.” Despite this, she rejects the term “cougar,” finding it offensive and not representative of their relationship.
A Devoted Mother and Grandmother
Before meeting Emmanuel, Brigitte had three children with her first husband, André-Louis Auzière: Sébastien, Laurence, and Tiphaine. All her children have found success in their respective fields as a cardiologist, lawyer, and statistical engineer. Brigitte also has seven grandchildren. Reflecting on her decision to be with Emmanuel, Brigitte told Elle in December 2017, “I know that I have hurt my children, and that is the thing I reproach myself for the most. But I couldn’t not do it.”
Marriage in 2007: A New Chapter Begins
Emmanuel and Brigitte married in 2007, a year after she divorced her first husband. During their wedding reception, Emmanuel expressed his gratitude to Brigitte’s children for supporting their relationship, saying, “Thanks for accepting us, a not-quite-normal couple.” This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the couple, one that would eventually lead Emmanuel to the presidency of France in 2017.
Brigitte: Emmanuel’s Anchor and Truth Teller
Emmanuel Macron often refers to Brigitte as his “anchor,” someone who keeps him grounded and focused in his demanding role. In a 2017 interview with CNN, he emphasized the importance of having Brigitte by his side, stating, “For me, it’s very important for my personal balance to have somebody at home telling you the truth every day.” Brigitte’s deep convictions and unwavering support have been crucial to Emmanuel’s success and well-being.
International Diplomacy: Meeting the Bidens
As prominent figures on the world stage, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron have met with numerous global leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. In October 2021, while Emmanuel and Joe Biden met at the French embassy in Rome, Brigitte and Jill enjoyed a friendly dinner, bonding over glasses of white wine. Jill Biden described their meeting as “two friends together, just like sisters,” highlighting the warmth and camaraderie between the two first ladies.
A Strong Bond: Rarely Spending Nights Apart
Despite Emmanuel’s busy schedule as president, he and Brigitte make it a priority to spend their nights together whenever possible. Brigitte shared with Elle that having Emmanuel by her side is comforting, stating, “It comforts me when Emmanuel is by my side.
I wouldn’t want to speak for him, but I’m pretty sure he feels the same way. We’re just like any other couple. We agree, we disagree. We argue, we stop arguing. It’s very fluid.” This commitment to staying close has strengthened their bond and helped them navigate the pressures of public life.
An Enduring Love: Defying Expectations
Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron’s relationship defies conventional expectations, proving that love can flourish despite significant age differences and societal judgments. Brigitte’s reflection on their relationship is telling: “A bit like the Platonic idea that you meet your better half and you fit together. Given our age difference, that fit wasn’t so obvious for us, but we fit. When I read about us as a couple, I always feel like I’m reading someone else’s story. Yet it’s a simple story.”
Conclusion: A Love Story for the Ages
The love story of Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering support. Their journey from a teacher-student relationship to a presidential partnership is both unique and inspiring. Through their challenges and triumphs, they have shown that true love knows no boundaries and can withstand the test of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Emmanuel Macron’s wife?
Brigitte Macron is the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. She was his high school drama teacher, and they married in 2007.
How did Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron meet?
They met when Emmanuel was 15 and a student at Le Providence, a Catholic school in northern France, where Brigitte was his drama teacher.
What is the age difference between Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron?
Brigitte is 25 years older than Emmanuel.
How many children does Brigitte Macron have?
Brigitte has three children from her first marriage: Sébastien, Laurence, and Tiphaine. She also has seven grandchildren.
When did Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron get married?
They got married in 2007, a year after Brigitte divorced her first husband.
