It was a big disappointment for many admirers of the new presidential couple who had waited to see Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron holding hands on the red carpet at Elysee.  The inauguration ceremony of the new French President and the transfer of power between François Hollande and Emmanuel Macron took place on Sunday 14 May 2017 at the Elysée Palace.

Brigitte Trogneux, the 64-year-old first lady appeared alone, to the greatest dismay of many well-wishers of the new presidential couple who had hoped to see Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron walked the red carpet together. But after Francois Hollande’s departure at about 10:30 am, the new presidential couple came out radiant hand in hand on the steps of the Elysée and greeted the public.

A statement from the French presidency said the new first lady had to come into the Elysee palace alone because former president Hollande is single.

By Chi Prudence Asong