Sarkozy "moved" by reaction to Carla in UK

By Paul Majendie

LONDON (Reuters) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose turbulent love life has been the target of much press scorn, said on Thursday he was very moved by the reception his new wife Carla was given in Britain.

Sarkozy saw his popularity plummet in France during his whirlwind public romance with the former model.

Voters punished him in local elections, complaining he was too wrapped up in his love life and not concentrating enough on France's economic woes.

But the British and French press were united in praise of Carla's elegant debut at Windsor Castle where Queen Elizabeth hosted the couple at a sumptuous state banquet.

The Daily Telegraph asked "Is Carla the new (Princess) Diana?" French newspapers enthused over the sensation she caused.

Sarkozy said: "I was very moved by the reception Carla received."

"I think it was well deserved. There have been so many things. I am very happy to see that justice was done to her," he told reporters in a joint news conference with Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Sarkozy, 53, separated from his second wife Cecilia last October following an 11-year marriage and just five months after winning power. By February he was married to the 40-year-old model-turned singer Carla Bruni.