French President Forms Stamp Club

UK's Telegraph is reporting French President Nicolas Sarkozy is sponsoring the newly formed Elysée Philatelist Club.

According to the article by Peter Allen in Paris, "Paris-based Gala magazine revealed the existence of the stamp-collecting club, describing it as 'an independent association based at the presidential residence."

Sarkozy is said to pursue his hobby during the evenings, regularly allowing his wife Carla to inspect his albums.

Last year, when the Sarkozys stayed at Windsor Castle on a state visit he was given a stamps for his collection by Queen Elizabeth who has had an interest in stamps since she was a child. Sarkozy was also given a leather album full of stamps by California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"Mr. Sarkozy's collection is slowly growing into one of the most impressive in the world because of all the international leaders he is in regular contact with,' said a club source. "Being French president is a perfect job for a keen philatelist.'

Shown above, President Sarkozy and Queen Elizabeth.

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