French media tell Sarkozy "behave with the Queen"

By Crispian Balmer

PARIS (Reuters) - France's often reverential media urged hyperactive President Nicolas Sarkozy to be on his best behaviour during his two-day state visit to Britain and offered plentiful advice on how he should deal with the Queen.

Sarkozy arrived in London with his glamorous new wife, Carla Bruni, earlier on Wednesday and had lunch with the Queen, who is due to throw a state dinner in their honour in the evening.

"Avoid getting excessively agitated in the (royal) carriage," Le Monde newspaper advised the president.

The paper also recommended that Sarkozy should not answer his mobile phone in front of the queen, wear his Ray-Ban sunglasses or look at his Rolex watch -- except in emergencies.

Sarkozy was spotted checking his phone for messages during an audience with Pope Benedict last year and has come under withering attack at home for his sometimes unorthodox comportment and celebrity lifestyle.

His opinion poll ratings have plunged in recent months, forcing him to tone down the glitz, and some French newspapers saw the ceremonial state visit to Britain as a perfect opportunity to brush up his reputation.

"For a president criticised by the French for his bling-bling tendencies, an official photo with the doyenne of world monarchs ... could help improve his image," Le Parisien daily wrote, offering advice on how to avoid fresh controversy.

"Don't speak first to the queen ... don't ask her personal questions ... don't touch her ... don't walk in front of her ... don't smoke in front of her ... don't complain ... don't rise from the table before her," it said.