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It may have been meant as a compliment, but whether Brigitte Trogneux, the wife of French president, Emmanuel Macron, appreciated being told she was in 'such good shape' was a matter of conjecture.

Last month the US president just about got away with telling Caitriona Perry - the Irish broadcaster RTE's Washington correspondent, that she had a "nice smile".

The Irish journalist posted a video on Twitter describing the incident as a "bizarre moment", but did not appear to have been offended by the remark even if others thought it was blatantly sexist.

However, passing a comment on the appearance of France's First Lady - even a favourable one - could have been seen as a diplomatic gaffe.

To add insult to injury he repeated the comment to Emmanuel Macron, the French President before turning back to Ms Trogneux and remarking "beautiful."

Matters were probably not helped by the US President then inflicting his now notorious "yank and grip" on her as well.

The US president was treading on very sensitive territory with M. Macron being 25 years younger than his 64 year-old-wife - a subject which has generated some discussion in France.

French President Emmanuel Macron (R), his wife Brigitte Macron (2nd L), US President Donald Trump (3rd L) and First Lady Melania Trump (2nd R) pose with French chef Alain Ducasse Credit: Saul Loeb/AFP

At 71, Mr Trump is 24 years older than the First Lady, Melania - but the age gap has caused far less comment.

During the French election campaign, those who sought to make capital out of the age difference between M. Macron and his wife were accused of misogyny.

Tiphaine Auzière, Ms Trogneux's daughter described the attacks as "totally outrageous" in one interview.

Here's that awkward handshake between Trump and France's Brigitte Macron. pic.twitter.com/5Ci6lAWuV6 — Meg Wagner (@megwagner) July 13, 2017

The Paris incident will be seen as just the latest offence on a lengthy Trump sexism charge sheet.

During the election, he said that nobody would vote for his Republican rival for the nomination, Carly Fiorina, because of her appearance.

His feud with Rosie O'Donnell, a comedian, culminated with the then business tycoon dismissing her as a slob.

As a candidate, his campaign came close to being derailed by the leaking of a torrent of taped sexist remarks and a high profile feud with TV presenter Megyn Kelly, who challenged his track record during the first Republican candidates' debate.