Unusual past of France's future first lady Brigitte Macron comes to light

Updated

This story has been updated since the French election runoff.

In the heat of the French presidential election, one woman has been turning heads across the country who may not be running for office, but is closely involved in the process -- Brigitte Macron, Emmanuel Macron's wife.

Her husband was elected on Sunday, and she will become one of the country's most unusual first ladies -- and that's saying something, because French first ladies have made headlines for extra-marital affairs, treason and murder.

Brigitte Macron is 24 years older than the independent presidential candidate, who defeated Marine Le Pen France's election on Sunday.

Though the age difference isn't shocking, as Melania and Donald Trump have a 24-year age difference themselves, the story behind their union is sure to raise eyebrows.

See photos of the couple together:

Brigitte Macron met Emmanuel Macron when he was only 15 years old. She was a drama coach at a private school in 1992 when the teenager began acting in her theater pieces.

Eventually, their relationship developed into a romantic one, which led her to divorce her husband and the father of her three kids. The former teacher and her former star pupil have been inseparable ever since.

"Emmanuel Macron wouldn't have been able to embark on this adventure without her," said Marc Ferracci, a campaign adviser and a witness at the couple's 2007 wedding, Bloomberg reports. "Her presence is essential for him."

In a speech on Sunday, the 39-year-old candidate thanked his wife 63, for being "always present." He said that without her, he wouldn't be who he is. Supporters screamed her name, according to Bloomberg.

Brigitte Macron advises Emmanuel Macron on speeches and helps him set his agenda. Their task, if he is elected, will be to keep their odd personal history from becoming a distraction.

"They're an atypical couple and this strengthens their relationship," Ferracci told Bloomberg.

Time will tell what will become the focal point of Emmanuel Macron's potential presidency.

[H/T Bloomberg]

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