State visit for French president

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The Queen will host French President Nicolas Sarkozy for a state visit next year, Buckingham Palace has said.

He will stay at Windsor Castle during his visit from 26 to 28 March.

Mr Sarkozy is dating former supermodel Carla Bruni, but a Royal spokesman said it was "far too early to say" if she would accompany him.

The last French presidential visit was by Jacques Chirac and his wife in 2004 to mark a century of the Entente Cordiale with Britain.

Mr Chirac stepped down after 12 years in power and Mr Sarkozy was elected president in May.