On Friday, June 12, 2026, flags across France flew at half-mast in memory of the esteemed former First Lady, Bernadette Chirac, who passed away on June 5 at the age of 93. The memorial service was attended by notable figures including former President Nicolas Sarkozy, 71, and his wife Carla Bruni, 58, who came to pay their respects to a woman who played a significant role in the nation’s history.
Also present were royals who typically maintain a lower profile. Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco, 63, made a rare public appearance to honor Chirac. In addition, the former Empress of Iran, Farah Pahlavi, 87, was in attendance as well, showcasing a sense of solidarity among women who have held significant roles in their respective countries.
Princess Lalla Meryem was elegantly dressed in a stunning turquoise gown as she arrived at the Basilica of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, where the service was held. This beautiful Catholic parish located in the 7th arrondissement served as a fitting backdrop for such an important occasion. During the ceremony, the somewhat frail-looking princess received support from Nicolas Sarkozy, representing her brother, King Mohammed VI, 62, at this poignant farewell.
While Princess Lalla Meryem chose a vibrant color for her attire, Farah Pahlavi opted for the traditional mourning color of black. This contrast highlighted the different ways in which individuals express their grief during significant moments of loss.
Prior to this appearance, Princess Lalla Meryem had been seen in May of this year in Rabat, Morocco's capital, where she participated as the patron of the WTA tennis tournament known as the "Grand Prix SAR Princesse Lalla Meryem," one of Africa's most prominent women’s tennis events. Just a month earlier, she attended the opening of the Royal Theatre in Rabat alongside France's current First Lady, Brigitte Macron, 73, indicating her continued involvement in cultural and social events.
Despite her infrequent public appearances, Princess Lalla Meryem remains one of the most visible female figures in the Moroccan royal family, particularly in light of the mysterious absence of her former sister-in-law, Princess Lalla Salma, 48. Lalla Meryem regularly represents Morocco at official events both domestically and internationally, and she is especially known for her advocacy in education, women’s empowerment, and children’s rights.
As reported by gala.de.
