Bernadette Chirac, who has died aged 93, stood by her late husband and French president Jacques Chirac through thick and thin during 12 years as first lady, but also forged her own, more discreet, political career.

PARIS -- Bernadette Chirac, the widow of former French president Jacques Chirac, passed away on Friday evening at the age of 93, French media reported Saturday.

Bernadette Chirac, the steel-willed former first lady of France, has died. She was 93. She spent 12 years at the Élysée Palace from 1995 to 2007 beside President Jacques Chirac…