Brigitte Macron, born Brigitte Marie-Claude Trogneux on April 13, 1953, is 72 years old as of August 2025. She is best known as the wife of Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, and has served as the country’s First Lady since 2017. Her life story is one of resilience, controversy, and influence, marked by a significant age gap in her marriage and a commitment to public service.elysee.fr+12Wikipedia+12Simple Wikipedia+12

Early Life and Education

Brigitte was born in Amiens, France, into a prominent family. Her parents, Simone and Jean Trogneux, were the owners of the renowned chocolatier Jean Trogneux, a business established in 1872. She was the youngest of six children and was raised in a Catholic household. Brigitte attended the private Catholic school, Lycée du Sacré-Cœur, in Amiens, where she developed a passion for literature and the arts.Famous Birthdays+5elysee.fr+5IMDb+5Wikipedia+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2

Career as an Educator

Brigitte pursued a career in education, teaching literature and Latin. In the 1980s, she began teaching at the Collège Lucie-Berger in Strasbourg. By the 1990s, she had returned to Amiens, where she taught French and Latin at Lycée la Providence, a Jesuit high school. It was during this time that she met Emmanuel Macron, who was a student in her daughter Laurence’s class. Their relationship began when Emmanuel was 15 years old and Brigitte was 39, leading to a significant age difference of 24 years between them. Despite the controversy surrounding their relationship, they married in 2007 after Brigitte’s divorce from her first husband, André-Louis Auzière.Encyclopedia Britannica+3Wikipedia+3Famous Birthdays+3People.comSimple Wikipedia+1

Role as First Lady

Brigitte Macron assumed the role of First Lady of France on May 14, 2017, following her husband’s election as President. She has been an active and visible figure in French public life, supporting various causes and initiatives. Her work has focused on issues such as education, disability rights, and the empowerment of women. She has also been involved in promoting French culture and heritage.Famous Birthdays+3Encyclopedia Britannica+3Wikipedia+3

Public Image and Controversies

Brigitte’s relationship with Emmanuel has been the subject of public scrutiny due to their age difference and unconventional beginnings. They met when Emmanuel was a student in her class, and their relationship began when he was 15 and she was 39. Despite societal criticism, they married in 2007 after Brigitte’s divorce. Their relationship has been a topic of public discussion, with some viewing it as a symbol of enduring love and others questioning the dynamics of their partnership.elysee.fr+8People.com+8New York Post+8

Advocacy and Initiatives

As First Lady, Brigitte has used her platform to advocate for various causes. She has been involved in initiatives aimed at improving education, particularly for children with disabilities. Her work has also focused on promoting gender equality and supporting the arts. Brigitte has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities in society, working to raise awareness and support for this cause.

Personal Life and Family

Brigitte has three children from her first marriage: Sébastien (born 1975), Laurence (born 1977), and Tiphaine (born 1984). She is also a grandmother to seven grandchildren. Despite the challenges and public scrutiny, Brigitte and Emmanuel have maintained a strong and supportive relationship. They are known for their close bond and mutual respect.elysee.fr+1The Standard+12People.com+12TIME+12

Recent Developments

In recent years, Brigitte has faced challenges related to misinformation and public scrutiny. False claims about her identity and background have circulated, leading to legal actions to protect her reputation. Despite these challenges, Brigitte continues to serve as a prominent figure in French public life, advocating for the causes she believes in and supporting her husband’s presidency.

Conclusion

Brigitte Macron’s life is a testament to resilience and dedication. From her early career as an educator to her role as First Lady, she has navigated public life with grace and commitment. Her advocacy for education, disability rights, and gender equality has left a lasting impact on French society. Despite facing public scrutiny and controversy, Brigitte remains a respected figure in France, admired for her strength, intelligence, and unwavering support for her family and country