Queen welcomes Sarkozy as nude pic of wife surfaces

The wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozyhas takensome of thespotlightoff her husband'sfirst state visitto Britain after it was revealed thata nude picture of her is to be auctioned next month.

Sarkozy's office has declined comment about theblack and white photoof Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, a former model, saying it's a private matter.

The picture, taken in 1993, is expected to fetch between $3,000 and $4,000 in anApril 10sale at New York's Rockefeller Plaza, according to Christie's auction house. It was taken by photographer Michel Comte.

News of the picture comes as Sarkozy arrived in the United Kingdom for the first state visit to Britain by a French president in 12 years.

Sarkozy was welcomed by Queen Elizabeth amid pomp and ceremony in front of Windsor castle.

Sarkozy is hoping the visit will help boost his image. He hasdrawn some criticism over his romance and marriage to Bruni-Sarkozy.

He will hold talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and address members of both houses of Parliament.