Asked if Trierweiler was still the first lady of France, Hollande told reporters that it was “neither the time nor the place” to make an announcement but promised to do so before the Feb. 11 state visit.

“Everyone, in their personal lives, can face struggles,” Hollande said. “That’s our case. These are painful times.”

Trierweiler was reportedly hospitalized for shock and exhaustion over the weekend after the affair became public. The affair is dominating international coverage of Hollande’s presidency, with about 600 French and foreign reporters showing up at the third press conference of his 18-month presidency.

Hollande’s predicament has set tongues wagging around Washington ahead of next month’s visit.

“Quel dommage,” quipped Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.), a member of the House Foreign Affairs panel and a longtime Francophile. “What a problem to have.”