It is said that Celilia Sarkozy is not interested in the role of first lady. Update: Sarkozy and Celilia have splited by by mutual consent after 11 years' marriage. CNNThere is growing speculation in French media that President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Cecilia may divorce.
One newspaper said the couple had appeared before a judge on Monday to begin formal divorce proceedings.
Mr Sarkozy's spokesman refused to comment on the story or the speculation, which has been circulating in the French media for weeks.
Mrs Sarkozy was once one of her husband's closest advisers, but has lately often been absent from his side.
She played only a small part in his election campaign earlier this year, and they have rarely been seen together since.
Mrs Sarkozy has said she is not interested in the role of first lady.
The French weekly Le Nouvel Observateur said on its website on Wednesday that the pair saw a judge on Monday to discuss details of a divorce.
Mrs Sarkozy appeared with her husband at a Bastille Garden party in July, but she has often been absent
The LCI TV channel said Mrs Sarkozy applied to a judge for a divorce and that later the judge visited the Elysee, the president's residence, to see Mr Sarkozy to validate the procedure.
The French constitution decrees that no criminal or civil proceedings can be brought against a sitting president - so Mrs Sarkozy could not file for divorce without Mr Sarkozy's consent.