France's Royal to split from Socialist leader

PARIS, June 18 (Reuters) France's Segolene Royal is separating from her partner, Socialist party leader Francois Hollande, French media said, in an announcement that partially overshadowed parliamentary elections.

The relationship between Royal and Hollande has fascinated France after Royal's speedy rise to become the party's presidential candidate last year -- a position traditionally reserved for the party head.

She lost the presidential election last month but has since made clear that she wants to replace Hollande as Socialist secretary general.

During the election campaign, the two Socialists, who have four children but never married, frequently denied rumours they were splitting up and Royal said earlier this year she had wanted a romantic wedding with Hollande in 2006.

French television yesterday said Royal would announce the decision to separate from Hollande in a book to be published this week.

There was no immediate comment from either politician about the news that was flashed on various television channels, but party colleagues speaking on live shows did not question the announcement.

Hollande is due to remain party chief until the autumn of 2008, but several Socialist officials have suggested the leadership issue should be resolved this year.

Reuters KN SBA VP0430