President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania looked practically newlywed as they packed on the PDA this weekend while in to Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral, an event that coincided with Melania’s 55th birthday.

Indeed the pair, who despite having been married since 2005 have often looked awkward in each other’s company, drew comment for just how tactile they were being.

They walked with arms draped around each other, held hands and giggled at the Vatican, and even kissed in full view of the cameras.

Now, sources close to Melania’s inner circle have given the Daily Mail an exclusive insight into the state of the presidential marriage – explaining that these very public and unusual displays of affection are signs of a private reinvigoration.

But they may also serve a practical purpose for our ageing president.

As one source revealed of 78-year-old Trump: ‘There is a possibility that he is reaching for Melania for both emotional and physical stability… the president is getting older. His gait is not as steady.’

‘This is a solid partnership,’ the source added. ‘They have been married 20 years, there is a synergy between them.’