Carla Bruni-Sarkozy has told CNBC that one of her most cherished memories during her time as France's first lady was her state visit to the U.K. and the "incredible experience" of meeting the British Royal Family.
Bruni-Sarkozy stole the show when she and her husband, then French President Nicolas Sarkozy, visited the U.K. in 2008, dazzling the British public with a range of stunning outfits.
Describing the weekend, Bruni-Sarkozy said, "What happens with, you know, the Royal Family, is that they're so kind, you know, and they make you at ease. They make you feel comfortable."
She continued, "So it wasn't difficult, it was like a wonderful experience. I'll never forget. ... I'll put it in my biography."
(Read more: France's Carla Bruni-Sarkozy: I don't miss the Élysée)
When Bruni-Sarkozy visited the U.K. on the state visit, she traveled to meet The Queen and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle, where she and her husband enjoyed all the pomp and ceremony of the British Royalty, riding through the small town's streets in horse-drawn ceremonial carriages accompanied by the Household Cavalry.
Bruni-Sarkozy was praised by the British media during her visit for her decision to wear outfits by British designer John Galliano for French fashion house Dior, a fitting tribute to the Anglo-French relationship.
Discussing the state dinner at Windsor, Bruni-Sarkozy told CNBC, "It was a beautiful candlelit dinner at night and it was just wonderful, like a fairy tale.
"My husband made a great speech, and I had the most lovely time. I really like England a lot. I like [the] United Kingdom a lot."
