Sarkozy takes up stamp collecting with help from the Queen

In the latest bizarre insight into the 54-year-old's private life, it was revealed fellow heads of state including the Queen have helped him fill his albums.

The French president Sarkozy illustrated on an Israel vignette

Mr Sarkozy even sponsors the newly formed Elysée Philatelist Club, named after the Paris palace where he lives with glamorous third wife Carla Bruni.

She is said to be delighted that Mr Sarkozy, who is known to have a fierce temper, is enjoying the sedate pastime, according to sources close to the couple.

Pride of place in the Sarkozy stamp collection is a set issued by Britain's Post Office in 2004 to celebrate the Entente Cordiale. They were a gift from Her Majesty when the Sarkozys stayed at Windsor Castle on a state visit last year..Mr Sarkozy was also given a leather album full of stamps by California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"Mr Sarkozy's collection is slowly growing into one of the most impressive in the world because of all the international leaders he is in regular contact with,' said a club source. "Being French president is a perfect job for a keen philatelist.'

Queen Elizabeth and French President Nicolas Sarkozy at a state banquet at Windsor Castle

Paris-based Gala magazine revealed the existence of the stamp-collecting club, describing it as "an independent association based at the presidential residence".
Mr Sarkozy is said to pursue his hobby during the evenings, regularly allowing Carla to inspect his albums.

She, in turn, has confided to friends that she is glad he no longer spends his evenings karaoke singing, as he used to in his bachelor days.
Before marrying Carla a year ago, the so-called 'hyper-president' was known for inviting young women back to the palace for singalongs which lasted well into the night.

Carla has since taken credit for calming Mr Sarkozy down, finding him a personal trainer to let off steam with, and getting him to give up high-sugar snacks like chocolate. Philately is viewed as another forward step in the process. 

www.telegraph.co.uk
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