France on Friday will lay to rest Bernadette Chirac, widow of former president Jacques Chirac, in a funeral in Paris set to be attended by prominent figures from the worlds of politics and entertainment.
Bernadette Chirac, who stood by her late husband during 12 years as first lady, but also forged her own, more discreet, political career, died on June 5 at the age of 93.
Her funeral will be held at 2:30 pm (1230 GMT) at the Sainte-Clotilde Basilica in Paris.
Guests expected to attend include current French first lady Brigitte Macron, as well as two former presidents — Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande — as well as Sarkozy’s wife, the model and singer Carla Bruni.
The French government will be represented by Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin.
