Putin's lover 'channels Kate Middleton' as she 'comes out' as Russia's First Lady

Vladimir Putin’s apparent lover is said to be considering channeling the her inner Princess of Wales and Melania Trump as she ‘comes out’ as Russia’s First Lady.

Glamorous Olympic gold-winning gymnast Alina Kabaeva, 42, has been the dictator's secret on-off partner for at least 18 years, it has been claimed. There is now speculation that her role in the Putin's life - previously strongly denied by the Kremlin - is gradually being formalised - and they may even go public.

Most recently, she appeared prominently in China at the end of his four-day visit this month without any acknowledgment that she was Putin’s partner. On his behalf, she presented new movie Red Silk, a spy film featuring the close bonds between Russian and China.

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It comes amid speculation that Kabaeva has had a full facelift and a fashion revamp. Natasha Kiseleva, Russian fashion expert, said: “Before, [Alina Kabaeva’s] style was similar to that of a governor’s or an MP’s wife. It was mature, and frankly speaking, it didn’t suit her very well.

“But now she has become much fresher and younger, even in her clothing style. We can look at the dress she appeared in while in Beijing – it is absolutely Kate Middleton’s style, or even a bit of Melania Trump. It is decisively the style of a First Lady.

“I don’t know whether she is preparing to publicly come out as the First Lady. I don’t think she will succeed in that, because being locked away from the media for so long never passes without leaving a trace.”

Putin and Kabaeva share two sons together, Ivan, ten, and Vladimir Jnr, six, both keen young gymnasts. While she is a public figure in Russia in her own right, the Moscow media has been gagged from revealing what they know about her and Putin.

Yet now suddenly she is being noticed for her switch in style. Russian TV presenter Renat Davletgildeev told a We Can Explain on YouTube: “An Italian brand…. is among [Alina] Kabaeva’s favourites. For example, here is her recent appearance, at the end of August. Alina is in a strict trouser suit, blouse, and scarf — all of this is Dolce & Gabbana. The set cost 5,000 euros [£4,335]….”

Putin may hate the West yet Kabaeva is fond of French and Italian labels. “Among the iconic French heritage brands, Kabaeva prefers Chanel and Dior, with vintage bags from [Chanel],” said Davletgildeev. And money is no object. Prices for those can reach several tens of thousands of euros.

Gavletgildeev also showed examples of dresses and blouses, including Dior "in the best traditions of Christian Dior himself." He picked out one particular blouse costing $3,500 [£2,580].”

Davletgildeev told his three million Russian followers on Khodorkovsky.Live: “If you carefully look at [Alina] Kabaeva’s recent photos from the past few months, it becomes obvious that she has started looking much better. Well-informed Moscow socialites [say] Kabaeva has had a full facelift.

“This is a type of plastic surgery where they cut away a centimetre of skin and pull the face tight like this. Usually, it is done around the age of 40. Plastic surgeons do not recommend doing it before 40."

Kabaeva is 42, with Davletgildeev adding: “The perfect time, the perfect time, so apparently, she decided to do this expensive and complex operation. But in fact, I can compliment her, because she really has started to look better.”

Despite this, she is a victim of Putin’s war and the sanctions that hit Russia. “Sanctions hit Kabaeva’s favourite hobby — travel,” said the channel Khodorkovsky.Live. “Before the war she often flew to European countries, chartering business jets (for example, Challenger and Cessna).

“The cost of one such flight could reach two million roubles [almost £18,000]. The gymnast flew to Milan, Munich and Lugano, where she gave birth to her first son by Putin. But now her flights are limited to the [ex-Soviet Union] and Asian countries.”