Washington (CNN) -- When French President Francois Hollande flew to Washington this week for a state visit, he brought along a lot of baggage -- and it's not his country's famous Louis Vuitton. Hollande left France amid sinking popularity ratings and swirling reports that he cheated on his partner of seven years with a younger movie actress â€” making this week's trip something of an escape for the embattled president. The former French first lady Valerie Trierweiler -- whom Obama said in November he was looking forward to hosting -- isn't coming to the White House now that Hollande has announced their split.
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French President Francois Hollande's visit comes amid troubles at home
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Hollande and former first lady split after reports of his affair surface
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White House protocol experts are working to navigate delicate situation
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France and the United States are generally in accord on policy matters
Now he's in @placeholder solo for one of Washington's most tradition-bound events, where protocol dictates nearly everything and a slip-up, however unlikely, could wind up offending a top ally.