Mrs Obama or Mrs Octopus?

“Who touched who first?” No, it’s not a transcript from Gary Glitter’s latest trial; it’s the question on everyone’s lips after Her Majesty The Queen and The First Lady of the United States of America enjoyed a little cuddle at Buck House last night. Though being briefed on Royal protocol, the Obamas seemed to prefer their own blend of modern friendliness and traditional etiquette and it obviously got the Royal seal of approval.

At one end of the room, guests including Princess Alexandra of Kent, the French President Nicholas Sarkozy and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel showed suprise as the Queen put an arm around the towering Michelle Obama who reciprocated with an arm around the Queen’s shoulder. Or did she? Some say it was Mrs O who instigated it but whoever ran away with the moment I think it’s fair to say that the Queen is a big fan of the world’s favourite First Lady. As Michelle fever hits the UK, the Queen must be looking back at a time when cosying up to Eleanor Roosevelt would have been the scandal of the century.

The Queen also seemed to impress the other visiting G20 leaders (there were a few non-Obamas by the way) as she used her watertight memory and excellent linguistic skills to give everyone a thoroughly warm welcome to Britain. She chuckled with Angela Merkel, she listened intently to Hillary Clinton and even found time to kiss her son. All in a night’s work for the Queen who got hugged.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Michelle Obama, Protocol, United States of America.

2 Responses to Mrs Obama or Mrs Octopus?

1. Empress says:

   April 3, 2009 at 7:03 am

   Not sure whether or not the Queen is a big fan of Michelle Obama, but she is far too classy not to reciprocate the gesture once made, as that would be humiliating to the initiating party. So of course she “hugged” back. I wouldn’t excpect anything less from this perenially classy woman.
2. iowabelle says:

   April 3, 2009 at 5:47 pm

   I think it’s pretty clear the Queen made the first gesture, although I find it pretty remarkable (I would guess she’s like me and doesn’t like to have her personal space invaded, plus the whole etiquette issue).