First Ladies’ Luncheon Is Literally a Pain in the Neck

Barbara Bush joined Europe’s first ladies today on a sightseeing trip encompassing the Louvre and Versailles. It proved to be a pain in the neck--literally--for one of the group, Hannelore Kohl, wife of German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

The tour concluded with a gourmet luncheon hosted by French First Lady Danielle Mitterrand.

Among the guests at Versailles’ Grand Trianon palace was Mrs. Kohl, whose meal ended prematurely. As photographers rushed to take pictures of Mrs. Bush, one of them accidentally bumped into Mrs. Kohl. The French photographer’s camera and heavy lens grazed her neck as they slipped off his shoulder.

Mrs. Kohl winced and began rubbing the wound while Mrs. Bush expressed her concern. Mrs. Kohl excused herself from the table after being hurt. The photographer said he was unaware of the incident when it happened but later apologized to Mrs. Kohl.

Raisa Gorbachev was the last to arrive--skipping the guided tour of the Grand Trianon, built in pink marble in 1687 by Louis XIV to accommodate his volatile private life. She exchanged warm greetings with Mrs. Bush.

The group enjoyed a four-course meal prepared by one of France’s leading caterers. The menu included coquilles St. Jacques and shrimp mousse, roast beef, vegetables, cheese, fruit and chestnut ice cream, accompanied by three vintage French wines.