Barack Obama meets young Royals in London

in

President Barack Obama arrived at Number 10 Downing Street today for in-depth talks with David Cameron, with the conflicts in Libya and the Middle East expecting to be the main topics.

After the meeting on Downing Street, the President gave his keynote speech in the historic venue of Westminster Hall, an honour usually reserved for British Monarchs. President Obama will be the first US president to give an address there. During his speech First Lady,  Michelle Obama will visit Oxford University to meet with girls from an inner London school. The day’s itinerary will also include a barbeque at Number 10 for families of military personnel and veterans.

The Obamas arrived in London from the Republic of Ireland on Monday, a day ahead of schedule because of the threat of the volcanic ash cloud.

On Tuesday, the Obamas met with Prince Charles and Camilla at Winfield House before going to Buckingham Palace. There, they joined the Queen and met with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge to congratulate them on their recent marriage.

The Obamas were later taken to Westminster in “The Beast”, President Obama’s heavily armoured private limousine.

Their visit to Westminster included an impromptu meeting with the choirboys, where Michelle Obama teased her husband for his lack of singing talent. Mr. Obama met with David Cameron briefly at Number 10 before the pair headed to the Globe Academy of Southwark for a surprise visit, where they teamed up for a game of table tennis against schoolboys.

Barack and Michelle Obama returned to Buckingham Palace that night for a state banquet. About 170 guests, including royals, Prime Minister David Cameron, film stars Tom Hanks and Helena Bonham Carter, and Sir Richard Branson attended the event in the palace ballroom.

During the banquet President Obama thanked the UK for its solidarity since 9/11, and hailed his country’s “special relationship” with the UK. The Queen then proposed a toast to "celebrate the tried, tested - and, yes, special relationship between our two countries".

Teasha Bayles

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