My feeling is that maintaining financial independence is also a healthy way to keep my feet on the ground.

I've shared the fate of many working mothers; I felt guilty like them.

I built my entire life on the idea of independence.

In France, a first lady has no status, and therefore she isn't supposed to do anything else.

I have never worn dresses by grands couturiers.

These days, everything is magnified very quickly by the media - the slightest slip can turn into a catastrophe.

Being First Lady is playing supporting act. I am not seeking notoriety and I am not seeking to grab the limelight.