Obamas greet British queen, trade gifts

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-02 10:59

LONDON -- It's not every day the American president's driver is told to move his bulletproof car.

But Queen Elizabeth II's handlers made the request Wednesday after President Barack Obama's reinforced Cadillac limousine was found to be blocking the garden entrance driveway at Buckingham Palace.

US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, pose with Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday April 1, 2009. [Agencies]

After it was moved, Jaguars carrying Prince Charles and other members of the royal family pulled up for the queen's reception for leaders attending Thursday's G-20 summit.

Obama and his wife, Michelle -- wearing a black and white dress, pearls and a black coat -- were two of the first dignitaries to meet the queen, who wore a salmon-colored dress and her trademark pearls.

During their private meeting, President Obama and first lady gave the queen a personalized iPod with video footage of her 2007 visit to Washington and Virginia. She was also given a rare songbook signed by composer Richard Rodgers.

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In return the queen and her husband, Prince Philip, gave the Obamas a signed portrait of themselves.

Queen Elizabeth has met with 11 of the last 12 US presidents, including a meeting that took place with Harry Truman when she was a princess, according to Buckingham Palace spokesman David Pogson.

The only president she did not meet was Lyndon Johnson. His widow later met the queen.

The queen and her husband entertained the Obamas in her private audience room, which overlooks the palace gardens where thousands of daffodils and other flowers were in bloom.

The room, which is part of the queen's private quarters, is frequently used for private meetings with visiting leaders. Recent visitors included the prime ministers of Canada and Australia.

After her meeting with the Obamas, the queen held a reception for all the world leaders attending the summit.

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