In a dramatic turn of events, former German President Christian Wulff and his wife Bettina Wulff have officially announced their separation after nearly two decades of a tumultuous on-and-off relationship. The confirmation came from Wulff's Berlin office on April 22, 2025, stating, "On your inquiry, I am happy to inform you that Bettina Wulff and former President Christian Wulff have definitively separated some time ago." This announcement marks the end of a relationship that has captivated the public and media for years.
The couple's final public appearance together took place just two months prior, on February 18, 2025, at the state funeral of former President Horst Köhler. Reports suggest that the Wulffs had been experiencing difficulties long before this event. According to BILD, Bettina Wulff was recently spotted on the island of Sylt, cozying up with a man identified as Mark Lambrecht, a prominent bodyguard, which may have prompted the official announcement of their separation.
Christian Wulff, 65, and Bettina Wulff, 51, have had a rocky relationship characterized by multiple separations and reconciliations. They first met in 2006 during a business trip to South Africa, where Wulff was serving as the Minister President of Lower Saxony. Their romance blossomed quickly, leading to their first marriage in 2008, shortly after Wulff divorced his first wife, Christiane. The couple welcomed their son, Linus, into the world shortly after their marriage.
However, their marriage faced significant challenges. In 2012, Wulff resigned from the presidency amid allegations of corruption, which put immense strain on their relationship. The couple separated for the first time in 2013 but reconciled in 2015, culminating in a church wedding that year. Bettina Wulff described their reunion as a fresh start, stating, "I am very relieved that my wife and I have found each other again in a new way, with great intensity."
Despite their attempts to rebuild their life together, the couple faced further turmoil. Bettina Wulff's brief relationship with her sons' music teacher, Jan-Henrik Behnken, led to another separation in 2018, followed by a divorce in 2020. The couple's love story took another twist when they remarried for the third time in March 2023, celebrating their love once more.
Yet, it appears that this latest chapter has come to a close. The recent sightings of Bettina Wulff with Lambrecht seem to have been the final straw for Christian Wulff, who reportedly felt that the "Rubicon had been crossed"—a phrase he famously used in 2011 to express a point of no return regarding a critical media report.
Bettina Wulff has remained tight-lipped about her new relationship, stating, "Private is private," when approached by reporters. Meanwhile, Christian Wulff has not publicly commented on the situation beyond the official statement from his office. Sources close to the couple have confirmed that Bettina Wulff has moved out and is currently residing in the Hannover area.
The Wulffs' relationship has been a subject of intense media scrutiny, not only due to their public personas but also because of the rollercoaster nature of their romance. Their journey has involved three weddings, numerous separations, and a public life filled with both highs and lows. As they part ways, many are left wondering what this means for their individual futures.
Reflecting on their tumultuous history, it is clear that the Wulffs have experienced a unique love story, marked by passion, reconciliation, and heartbreak. They have often been viewed as a symbol of resilience, having navigated the complexities of marriage in the public eye. However, the latest developments suggest that the time has finally come for both to move on from their shared past.
As the dust settles on this high-profile separation, both Christian and Bettina Wulff will undoubtedly be faced with new challenges and opportunities in their personal lives. While their relationship may have ended, their individual stories are far from over.
