'Speedy Sarkozy already tied the knot in secret'

Paris: A regional French newspaper claimed on Monday that President Nicolas Sarkozy has married former supermodel Carla Bruni in a private ceremony at the Elysee palace - two months after they met and three months after he divorced his wife.

The L'Est Republicain newspaper, citing "a very good source'' close to a guest at the ceremony, said Sarkozy, 52, and Bruni, 40, exchanged vows at the president's home last Thursday after a whirlwind romance.

An Elysee spokesman refused to confirm or deny the report, saying it related to the president's private life.

Prediction

If it proves accurate, then Sarkozy was true to the prediction he made to the press last week that "you will hear about it [the wedding] when it has already happened''.

Civil weddings in France almost always take place in town halls in an area where one of the spouses lives. However, Sarkozy may have made use of an exemption clause for couples faced with a "serious hindrance''. Town halls also normally publish records of all weddings, but in exceptional circumstances publication can be delayed if there are "serious reasons''.

There are unconfirmed reports that Bruni is pregnant by Sarkozy.

L'Est Republicain has close ties to the Elysee and last October obtained an exclusive interview with Sarkozy's ex-wife Cecilia.

"Speedy Sarko'', as he is known, announced his divorce two days later.

Dinner party

In late November he met the Italian-born Bruni, a former girlfriend of Sir Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton, at a dinner party given by a friend.

He appeared before photographers with her at Disneyland Paris three weeks later and has since taken her on trips to Egypt and Jordan.

Bruni, now a successful singer who admitted to finding monogamy "boring,'' already has a room in the Elysee where she can compose songs for her new album. She has been seen wearing two large heart-shaped diamond rings given by Sarkozy, considered to be engagement gifts.