On June 12, 2026, a notable gathering of royal figures and political leaders convened in Paris to pay their respects at the funeral of Bernadette Chirac, the beloved wife of former French President Jacques Chirac. The solemn ceremony took place at the Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde, where members of the royal family crossed paths to honor her memory. Among the distinguished attendees were Farah Pahlavi, the former Empress of Iran, and Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco, both of whom shared a close bond with the late first lady.
At 87 years of age, Farah Pahlavi has often been seen alongside Bernadette during significant events, including their attendance at the wedding of Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco in 2011. More recently, they both participated in the Claude Pompidou Prize award ceremony for Alzheimer's research in Nice in 2016. Their enduring friendship was evident as they reunited to celebrate Bernadette's life amidst family and friends.
Princess Lalla Meryem, aged 63, first met Bernadette in 2000 when she accompanied her brother, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, on an official visit to France. The connection between these two influential women grew stronger over the years, leading to Bernadette’s visit to the Royal Palace in Fès, Morocco, in 2007. This deep-rooted friendship justified the Princess's presence at the funeral, as she came to support her dear friend’s family during this difficult time.
The funeral service was marked by an array of dignitaries, including political figures who gathered to celebrate the life and contributions of Bernadette Chirac, who was widely respected for her charitable work and dedication to public service. The presence of royals and other prominent figures at the ceremony underscored her significant impact on both French society and international relations.
As reported by parismatch.com.
