THE OBAMA'S meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace & Westminster Abbey

Barack Obama is to meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace, as the US president's state visit to Britain formally begins to cement what the countries' elected leaders describe as "an essential relationship".

The palace said the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who have returned from their honeymoon in recent days, will also meet the president and the first lady, Michelle Obama.

Duchess Catherine shared a laugh with Michelle Obama as she and Prince William met with the President and First Lady at Buckingham Palace.

Michelle Obama dazzled in a glamorous white evening gown at a state dinner at Buckingham Palace. The First Lady's elegant look, accented with long white opera gloves, is drawing comparisons to another First Lady

Barack Obama arrived in the UK from Ireland on Air Force One late on Monday, earlier than planned, to avoid the volcanic ash cloud moving south-east from Iceland. He stayed at the US ambassador's residence in central London ahead of a day of royal protocol with most of the hard talking on global politics with David Cameron expected on Wednesday.

There was one small misstep during the formal dinner, when the President toasted Queen Elizabeth II.

The band began playing "God Save the Queen" just as the President began his toast. Word is, no one is supposed to raise their glass before the Queen 0_o

The prime minister is hopeful the two leaders can assert that they are aligned on tackling financial deficits as well as addressing Libya, the Arab spring and Afghanistan.

 

The palace said the Obamas would meet the new royal couple in the 1844 room for around 10 minutes before the formal welcome begins in the garden, where they will be greeted by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. There will be a ceremonial welcome from the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, and the Obamas will then view the royal picture gallery.

After the palace, the Obamas appeared at Westminster Abbey to lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Warrior before meeting David and Samantha Cameron at Downing Street. They are also expected to meet the opposition leader, Ed Miliband, at Buckingham Palace where they will stay after a formal dinner.

Royal watchers will be hoping for a repeat of the famous embrace between the Queen and America's first lady, when the Obamas last visited in 2009.
{Source}