- Michelle Obama alleged to have discovered her husband has been unfaithful
- Reports claim they will separate at the end of his presidency in 2016
- Follows claims in two books that couple neared divorce in early 2000's
Michelle Obama was 50 yesterday and President Barack Obama will be feting his redoubtable First Lady tonight with a party that will give them the chance to let their hair down and forget their troubles for a few hours.
The email inviting guests to the 'snacks & sips & dancing & dessert' advised them to wear comfortable shoes and practise their dance moves.
Purse-lipped Washington etiquette experts have tutted at the informality of it all, but the Obamas have always been keen to appear accessible, even if the stand-offish reality is somewhat different.
The Obamas are the world's most scrutinised couple at the best of times, but it will be rare to find a guest at the bash who won't be secretly watching them with particular interest.
After all, the last time they were pictured together - at Nelson Mandela's memorial - the First Lady was looking none too pleased as the her husband posed for a 'selfie' photograph with the leggy blonde Danish Prime Minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt.
Indeed, if the U.S. tabloids are to be believed, the relationship of Washington's golden couple is facing problems that go far beyond dirty looks.
Comment: And the Pakistan's Taliban are...!
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