The First Lady of France has made the astonishing claim that Melania Trump, the First Lady of America, is effectively a prisoner in the White House.

Brigitte Macron, 65 (who is the wife of French president Emmanuel Macron, 40), spent the past week enjoying the hospitality of 48-year-old Melania and president Donald Trump, 71, during a state visit to America.

Joining the Trumps at the White House, Brigitte quickly developed a firm friendship with fellow European Melania - who hails from Slovenia.

However, as she shared details of what life is like inside the White House for the First Lady of America, Brigitte painted a slightly bleak picture.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: REUTERS)

"She is much more constrained than me. Melania can't do anything," Brigitte told French newspaper Le Monde.

From the sounds of things, Melania can almost barely take a breath without the permission of the White House security services.

"The security is terrible. She can't even open a window at the White House because immediately the security services call and say 'close it'," Brigitte claims.

(Image: Alex Edelman/EPA) (Image: Getty Images North America)

"She can't put a foot outside. Every day, I go out in Paris," Brigitte added.

Away from describing a life of captivity for Melania for as long as Donald Trump remains in power, Brigitte says the US First Lady hides a brilliant sense of humour.

"She is really fun. We have the same sense of humour. We laugh a lot together," the French First Lady declared.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock) (Image: REUTERS)

“She’s someone who has a strong personality but she makes an effort to hide it,” she added.

Melania is far less decisive than her husband Donald Trump and has garnered something of a fan following since her husband was sworn into office last year.

Many have hailed her as a style icon, and others were impressed by the “elegant” State Dinner that she planned for the French President.