From the popular and stylish Brigitte Macron (who is 24 years older than her husband, French President Emmanuel Macron) to the scrutinized, former model Melania Trump (married to US President Donald Trump), we look at five of the world’s most famous First Ladies and their backgrounds.
Akie Abe, Japan
Akie Abe, the wife of Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, has been the First Lady of Japan since her husband assumed office in 2012. Born into a wealthy family (her father was the president of Morinaga & Company, a large confectionary company whose history began in the 1890s), Akie is often considered a socialite. She was a successful advertising executive before her marriage to the Prime Minister. Akie also gained much popularity as a radio disc jockey in the 1990s. A supporter of the LGBT community, she is very popular with the Japanese people. She is the first Japanese First Lady to maximize the use of Facebook and Instagram.
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Brigitte Macron, France
Former teacher Brigitte Macron made headlines after her husband, French President Emmanuel Macron was elected the President of France in 2017. At 39, he is the youngest president ever in French history. Brigitte, 63 years old, is 24 years her husband’s senior. In the 1990s, she taught French and Latin at Lycée la Providence, where she first met a young Macron. Their love story has gained media traction and widespread adoration by the global community. Although French laws state that should would never officially hold the title of First Lady, she has been embraced by the locals. A recent poll conducted by pollster Ifop in Paris Match magazine showed that the Brigitte is more popular to the public than the French President himself!
Melania Trump, United States of America
The American First Family is always under public scrutiny, no matter who sits at the Oval Office, but more than ever for the current administration. Melania Trump, the wife of current US President Donald Trump, makes international headlines weekly. Some media portray her as the “sad wife” of a ruthless dictator, a victim herself, of Trump’s regime and bad behavior (she is never photographed smiling when she is with him, much less give him any physical affection in public). She is often cited for her fashion sense, sometimes good, but usually for her mishaps. Last month, she wore a statement jacket from ZARA that read “I Really Don’t Care” while visiting a center for immigrant children. She was in the center of scandal early into Trump’s presidency, when it was found that one of the speeches she delivered was a direct copy of one given by the very famous former First Lady Michelle Obama. A former model, the Slovenia-born woman has appeared on the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazar. Love her or hate her, the world will be getting a lot of Melania for the next few years.
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Ri Sol-ju, North Korea
Ri Sol-ju is the wife of North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, making her the First Lady of the country. Although little is known about her past, Ri has gained traction as the mysterious wife of the Supreme Leader. Many have speculated that she may have been part of a North Korean singing group in her youth, where she caught the leader’s eye. Others believe their marriage was merely political, as way to show a more modern government. It was only recently (on April 2018), where her title was elevated from “Comrade” to “Respected First Lady”. The title change is considered a large honor, having been the first with such since 1974. Appearing numerous times by her husband in public events, Ri also disappears for long periods of time.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Canada
Born in Montreal, Quebec, former television host Sophie Grégoire moved to Mount Royal, where she became friends and classmates with Michel, the son of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Through him, she would meet older brother Justin, who would be her future husband. After meeting again as adults, the two reconnected and eventually married in 2005. Before becoming the benevolent First Lady of Canada, Sophie was an entertainment reporter for LCN. Today, she is involved with numerous charitable causes such as eating disorders, self-esteem issues, cancer, mental health, and providing clean water to underprivileged countries.
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Just for Fun: Clarke Gayford, New Zealand
Although not a First Lady (or a lady at all), Clark Gayford, the boyfriend of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adern, has recently been making headlines. On June 21, 2018, Adern gave birth to a baby girl. Breaking traditional gender roles, new sources cite that Gayford is taking a break from his career in show business (he is the host of Fish of the Day, a documentary series from National Geographic), so he can stay home with the baby as his wife resumes her role as the beloved leader of their country. Jacinda Adern is one of the youngest heads of state in the whole world, and boasts an impressive resume since starting her career as a researcher for former Prime Minster Helen Clark in 2001.
