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Francois Hollande is preparing to marry his mistress on his 60th birthday next month, according to sensational media reports in France. The country’s bachelor president has been plagued by rumours about his personal life since splitting up with his live-in-girlfriend in January. Valerie Trierweiler, 49, had to leave the Elysee when Mr Hollande’s secret affair with Julie Gayet, a 42-year-old actress, was made public. Miss Gayet has kept a low profile ever since – refusing to even acknowledge she is seeing the head of state – but may now be preparing to tie the knot. Midi Libre, the highly respected newspaper, is one of many which reports: ‘The President of the Republic could make official his relationship with Julie Gayet by marrying her on August 12, the date of his sixtieth birthday.’ A Socialist Party source meanwhile told the Parisien newspaper: ‘It’s been three months that we have been hearing that he intends to formalise his relationship with Julia Gayet on August 12, when they will marry.’ The rumours intensified on July 14, Bastille Day, when Mr Hollande was asked directly about his private life in a live interview. Mr Hollande said: ‘When I have information, I’ll communicate it, I’ll do it, but I have none.’ According to the new claims, arrangements have now been made for a simple civic ceremony. Mr Hollande, a Socialist, has never expressed any interest in the institution of marriage before, despite having four children with his Ecology Minister, Segolene Royal, another former girlfriend. | 
