Angela Merkel chooses privacy over publicity as she celebrates turning 70

Once seen as the world's most powerful woman, the former German chancellor is now immersed in the arts - and not only as an admirer

At the peak of her career, she was hailed as the world's most powerful woman and the de-facto leader of the EU.

But as Angela Merkel turns 70 today, there will be no gathering of dignitaries to pay tribute to her legacy. Instead, she will celebrate entering her eighth decade in private", a spokesperson for her office told the German news agency dpa.