Top 5: trophy wives

GlobalPost
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The World

BOSTON - They're fashion models, lawyers and have tattoos.

They're also married to some of the world's most powerful men.

Do these women outshine their husbands?

1. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy of France


Bruni and Sarkozy walk hand in hand. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy used to model for fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and Chane. She recorded the 2002 best-selling single “Quelqu’un m’a dit.”

Bruni and Sarkozy married in February 2008, and Bruni often accompanies Sarkozy to political speeches and public appearances. She is frequently photographed with foreign dignitaries and fellow first ladies. The pair regularly holds hands in public. In December they will journey to India together as Sarkozy negotiates a nuclear reactor deal.

But the French public is skeptical about Sarkozy’s whimsical romance with the popular musician/model and tabloids allege that Bruni is an unfaithful spouse.

2. Bettina Wulff of Germany


Christian and Bettina Wulff in Germany. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images News)

The wife of the new German President Christian Wulff, Bettina is a 36-year-old communications manager from Germany. Tabloids claim that the president divorced his former wife after meeting Bettina on a business trip.

Wulff, 51, of the Christian Democratic Union, won the German presidency on June 30, 2010. During the campaign, Bettina was consistently at her husband's side, attending political parties and giving interviews.

The German press hypothesizes that Bettina will revolutionize the role of the modern spouse in Germany as a wife with a career, a tattoo on her right shoulder and enthusiasm for fashion. The German newspaper Die Zeit said, “Picking her was the best decision Wulff ever made.”

3. Queen Rania of Jordan

King Abdullah II and Queen Rania. (Martin Bernetti/AFP)

The wife of King Abdullah II of Jordan, Queen Rania is the attractive icon of Jordan. She accompanies her husband, King Abdullah, to official events and is praised as the country's royal beauty.

But Queen Rania is no lightweight humanitarian. She is committed to improving the quality of education for all Jordanians. She recently published an illustrated children’s book, “The Sandwich Swap,” which was a New York Times bestseller.

4. Margarita Zavala of Mexico


Margarita Zavala and President Calderon. (Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images Entertainment)

The wife of Mexican President Felipe Calderon, stylish First Lady Margarita Zavala is often compared to Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Michelle Obama.   

She often travels with her husband President Felipe Calderon on state trips. In the past year, she attended the G20 summit in Pittsburg and a state dinner at the Obama White House and went along on a special visit to Spain.

Zavala, an attractive counterpart to Calderon, is a lawyer, former congresswoman and mother. Some claim Margarita knows more about politics than her husband.

5. Samantha Cameron of England


David and Samantha Cameron outside 10 Downing Street. (AFP)

The wife of new British Prime Minister David Cameron, Samantha Cameronis the latest fashion idol of the United Kingdom. Fellow First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy even said Samantha dresses with a “maverick style.” Samantha graduated from Bristol art school and was the creative director for Smythson, a British stationary company. She is the youngest first lady in half a century.

She is often on David Cameron’s arm during official visits and dinners. On July 8, Samantha hosted a private reception for members of the British armed forces at the prime minister’s home at 10 Downing Street in London.

A trophy not-quite-wife: Noemi Letizia of Italy


Noemi Letizia wearing the diamond necklace from Berlusconi. (AFP)

The former girlfriend of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, 18-year old Noemi Letizia was responsible for Berlusconi’s divorce from his wife. Igniting an Italian political scandal, Berlusconi attended Letizia’s 18th birthday party and presented her with a 6,500 euro gold and diamond necklace. When interviewed, Letizia referred to Berlusconi as “papi,” which means “daddy” in Italian.

Compiled by Alexa Rosenthall

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