The private life of Ségolène Royal has always unleashed passions. In the city, she is the happy mother of four children born from her past relationship with François Hollande. His career inspires as much as it intrigues. As a reminder, the politician is the daughter of Hélène Dehaye. The latter died in 2019. In the past, the two women were inseparable… see inseparable. During her childhood, Ségolène Royal did not hesitate to support her when she was in conflict with her husband Jacques Royal. In addition, the ex-minister took his father to court after their separation. On a daily basis, this lieutenant-colonel was very demanding and strict with his people. Order and discipline prevailed!
With his wife, he was the head of eight children born in the space of nine years. Ségolène Royal was the fourth of the siblings. Unfortunately, the difficult character of his parent ended up causing the home to implode. On his side, Helen was known to be gentle and attentive to those around her. Fascinated by botany, she never accepted the rigor imposed by her husband. According to him, the men of the family had to wear short hair and strictly respect the “military” education. As for the girls, they had to study music, sewing and catechism without complaining.
In the long run, the mother of Ségolène Royal ended up cracking. In 2006, journalist Raphaëlle Bacqué unveiled the anecdote in an article in the World : “Since his wife is threatening to leave, Jacques only has to scare her and ask for a divorce. She will eventually fall into line. One morning, a bailiff brings a request for separation. A bailiff! In front of all Chamagne Hélène, daughter of Henri Dehaye, a chemical engineer who became a pensioner, feels deeply humiliated. She fled on her bicycle in the snow., said Ségolène Royal one day”.
In the turmoil, Hélène Dehaye – then a stay-at-home mother – benefits from the unfailing support of her offspring. At the same time, she finds households and becomes totally independent. After having made some savings, the main interested party moved to Normandy. Stung to the quick, Jacques Royal refuses to pay him a pension. He is even reluctant to pay for their children’s education. Taken aback, Ségolène Royal then takes her to court and wins her case. “For the judges, it was incongruous to attack an officer, who moreover holds the Legion of Honor”, she revealed to Daniel Bernard author of the biography “Madame Royal”. Finally, his mother will opt for a legal separation rather than a divorce. In 1981, Jacques Royal breathed his last knowing that he had seen six of their eight children again…