The President and First Lady's Day in London

Michelle Obama hails Kate, Britain's First Lady of style... and her £175 dress that is selling out across the country

By Rebecca English


Last updated at 12:46 AM on 25th May 2011

• Whistle-stop tour of London takes in Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Downing Street
• Obama lays wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier after 41-gun salute
• President and First Lady flew to capital a day early due to ash cloud fears
• Just third state visit by U.S. President to Britain in 100 years
• Obama and Cameron vow to support 'Arab Spring' uprising

She may be a new hand at the fashion game, but the Duchess of Cambridge won the battle of the first ladies in another high street dress yesterday.


Kate’s £175 Reiss dress caused such a frenzy after she appeared in it to meet Barack and Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace that the retailer’s website crashed.


She eclipsed first lady Mrs Obama and Samantha Cameron – who both opted for expensive designer labels – in a bandage-style Shola dress.


Reiss shops across the country were selling out last night and an assistant at the Kensington High Street store said 20 dresses were sold online within two minutes of Kate’s appearance. A spokesman for the firm described it as ‘Shola-mania’.

Newlyweds: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, back from their honeymoon, meet with the First couple inside Buckingham Palace

Sorry we couldn't make the wedding: The couples chat and no doubt the recent Royal marriage ceremony was a topic of conversation

Emerging fashion icon Kate has resolutely stuck to off-the-peg outfits and has worn Reiss on several occasions, including for her engagement portrait.
David Reiss, founder and MD of the company, told the Daily Mail: ‘We are thrilled that Kate continues to be a customer of Reiss, and that she has chosen one of our dresses for such an important occasion.’
Her low-key approach was in marked contrast to Mrs Obama, who sported two designer outfits – the first a patterned prom-style dress by Barbara Tfank, worth at least £1,400, and the second by Roksanda Ilincic, which she wore to visit Downing Street, costing £815.
Mrs Cameron loyally sported home-grown talent in the form of an embroidered silk dress by Peter Pilotto – currently on sale in Harvey Nichols for £2,360, but borrowed for the occasion to promote the British designer.
The only fly in the ointment was U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who committed something of a faux pas by arriving for the official lunch at Buckingham Palace wearing unflattering three quarter length trousers.
Although there is no official dress code, ladies are expected to wear a smart skirt or dress.

Friendly: The couples met before President Obama was the subject of a 41-gun salute

Yesterday’s encounter at the palace marked the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first official duty as a fully fledged royal couple.

They spent 20 minutes with President Barack Obama and his wife – twice as long as scheduled – shortly after they had been greeted by the Queen at the start of their three-day state visit.


Last month, to the surprise of many, the Obamas were not invited to the royal wedding, a decision viewed by some as a snub. St James’s Palace insisted at the time that no offence was intended; the invitation simply wasn’t forthcoming as the wedding was not a formal state occasion.


Judging by the warmth of their meeting yesterday, no offence was taken. Indeed, the Mail understands that the Obamas have already privately given a ‘substantial’ donation to the charitable gift fund the couple set up in lieu of a wedding list.


At yesterday’s historic meeting Kate, looking tanned following their ten-day honeymoon in the Seychelles, appeared as elegant as she was for the wedding. Apart from her priceless engagement ring, which once belonged to Princess Diana, her jewellery was as low-key as her outfit.


Her look was finished by a plain black Maud clutch bag by Anya Hindmarch Bespoke and matching heels from another high street store, LK Bennett.

Having a giggle: The Duchess of Cambridge and Michelle Obama enjoy a brief moment of hilarity during their meeting

Meet and greet: The Queen welcomes Barack Obama to Buckingham Palace, watched by his wife Michelle and Prince Philip

Old friends reunited: Two years on from their last meeting, the Obamas and the Queen and Prince Philip look pleased to see one another

William spoke to the President about his job as an RAF search and rescue pilot, while Kate and Mrs Obama got down to some ‘typical girly chat’, particularly about the wedding.

Both the Obamas are said to have watched the ceremony on television and a source said: ‘Like most women Mrs Obama wanted to know all about it. She and Catherine had a good chat.’

The young couple did not take any further part in the day, declining to join the official lunch at the palace citing ‘a previous private engagement’ and also missing last night’s state banquet.

A St James’s Palace spokesman said: ‘Prince William has never attended a state banquet before and is not a full-time working member of the Royal Family as he already has a “day” job with the RAF.’

n Visiting Westminster Abbey in the afternoon to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown warrior, the President made a gaffe by signing the distinguished visitors’ book with the wrong year.


Mr Obama was heard to ask the Dean of Westminster what the day’s date was, but then dated his entry May 24, 2008, rather than 2011.

It is only the third state visit by a U.S. president to the UK in 100 years. Mr Obama came to London two years ago but it was for the G20 global summit meeting.

Wild weather: The Queen is forced to clutch her hat as she speaks to President Obama, left, while the whole group are left windswept by the conditions, right

Hold on to your hats! The windy weather plays havoc with the Royal party

The Obamas were also taken to Buckingham Palace Gardens yesterday where they faced with a guard of honour, 101 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, and three officers lined up in two rows. Behind them were the Band, Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guard.
The air was shattered by the noise of booming gunfire as a 41-gun salute was begun by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in nearby Green Park while simultaneously at the Tower of London another was fired by the Honourable Artillery Company.
The guardsmen gave a royal salute and then the American national anthem was played in honour of the U.S. President.
The British National Anthem was not performed as the Queen is in residence at the palace and so it was needed to mark her arrival at the historic building.
Major Rory Shannon, in command of the guard of honour, approached the heads of state and formally stated that the troops were ready for inspection. Mr Obama, with the Duke, then walked down the terrace steps to the waiting soldiers in their bearskins and scarlet tunics.
The major escorted the president along the two lines of guardsmen as Philip followed a pace behind.
The U.S. leader could be seen exchanging words with the senior officer as they passed the troops who, when not performing ceremonial duties, are fighting soldiers.

Ceremonial welcome: The Obamas are joined by members of the Royal Family to hear the U.S. national anthem

At the end of the inspection, Mr Obama took his place beside the Queen and watched as the guardsmen marched off before the party headed inside for lunch.


In the afternoon, the group made their way around The Royal Collection where American items were on this display. Then Mr Obama and his wife visited Westminster Abbey where he placed a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier.


The Obamas left the abbey to chants of 'we love you, we love you' and three cheers from the crowd. Thanking their hosts, the first lady said: 'It's so nice to be back.'


After their departure, Dr Hall said the laying of the wreath was a particularly significant moment.


'The Grave of the Unknown Warrior is a very important memorial here at the abbey and every head of state when they come here lays a wreath.'


He said in his time at Westminster he had witnessed heads of state including those of Ghana, France, Lebanon, Chile, and Mexico.


The dean said he and the president did not discuss politics but did talk about his time in Ireland.

Guard of honour: Prince Philip accompanies Mr Obama as they inspect soldiers of the Household Cavalry in Buckingham Palace Gardens

Tell me more: The Queen shows the President an exhibition of American items from The Royal Collection in the Picture Gallery of Buckingham Palace

'I said we have many visitors from America and we are hoping to build up stronger links with them,' he said.


'He said, being such a young country, this is important for American visitors to find their roots.'


The dean said he also mentioned he had worked in Kenya, where Mr Obama's father was from, during his gap year, telling him he had taught at a school in Nairobi.


He said of the visit: 'It was very friendly, very relaxed, very charming and he is a friendly nice person and so is Mrs Obama.'


The whistle-stop tour of London continued when the couple arrived at Downing Street to be greeted by Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha. The couples embraced like old friends.

All the President's motors: The Obamas are driven along the mall, front, followed by a motorcade carrying doctors, surgeons, nurses, security officers and political aides

So this was where they got married: Barack Obama, who did not attend last month's Royal Wedding, talks with the Dean of Westminster the Very Reverend Dr. John Hall as he visits Westminster Abbey

Respectful: President Obama lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey

Earlier the President declared the UK-U.S. partnership 'an essential relationship for us and for the world'.


But he began his visit today by making a solemn statement about the loss of life in Joplin, Missouri, where a tornado claimed 116 lives on Sunday night.

The U.S. president flew into Stansted airport ahead of schedule last night to avoid the possibility of disruption to air travel from the ash cloud from an erupting Icelandic volcano.

Welcome: Prime Minister David Cameron and Barack Obama shake hands as he arrives at Downing Street

Say hello: David and Samantha Cameron welcome the President of the USA and first lady , Barack and Michelle Obama to 10 Downing St

USA, USA: Barack Obama shows off his skills with students at the Globe Academy in London

I'm not so good at whif whaf: David Cameron is less competant as he tires his hand at ping pong

Hi-five: The pair embrace after the ping-pong showdown with youngsters at the secondary school

Arrival: Crowds strain to take pictures of the Presidential limousine, accompanied by police outriders, as it arrives at Buckingham Palace

Blustery day: A Met Police spotter stationed on top of Buckingham Palace sees his hat fly away as he waits for the President's arrival

He had been due to fly from Ireland on board Air Force One this morning to be greeted at the Essex airport by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

But the decision was taken to bring forward the visit after the announcement of cancellations to some UK commercial flights due to the ash billowing from the Grimsvotn volcano - with more disruption expected in the days to come.

Welcoming party: President Obama, left with Prince Charles, and First Lady Michelle, right with the Duchess of Cornwall, leave the U.S. Ambassador's residence Winfield House today headed for Buckingham Palace

Relaxed: The President enjoys a joke with Prince Charles, left, while Michelle Obama and the Duchess of Cornwall are deep in conversation

The state visit comes at a time of close co-operation between Britain and America on issues ranging from Libya to Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the Middle East peace process.

This strong partnership was reflected in a joint article written by Mr Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron for The Times, in which they declare: 'Ours is not just a special relationship, it is an essential relationship - for us and for the world.'


After his early arrival, Mr Obama was spending the night in the US ambassador's residence in London, Winfield House in Regent's Park.

Solemn: Barack Obama began his British visit today by making a statement about the appalling loss of life in Joplin, Missouri, where a tornado left at least 116 people dead

Despite the hasty change to their planned schedule, Mr Obama and wife Michelle were still given the formal welcome expected of a state visit.

They were greeted by the Lord in Waiting Viscount Brookeborough, who met them on behalf of the Queen.

Instead of a traditional red carpet they left the plane on special red-carpeted stairs because of windy conditions at the airport.

Later today the Obamas will view the royal picture gallery before a wreath-laying visit to Westminster Abbey and a state banquet in the evening.

The couple will stay as guests of the Queen at Buckingham Palace tonight and tomorrow.

Tomorrow will be devoted to politics, with talks between Mr Obama and Mr Cameron at 10 Downing Street, followed by an address to both Houses of Parliament, in which the president is expected to say that the US has no closer ally in the world than Britain.

In their joint article, Mr Obama and Mr Cameron put the transatlantic partnership at the heart of the drive for global stability and prosperity.

New allies: Barack Obama holds a meeting with Labour leader Ed Miliband as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton looks on

Clean sweep: A member of the President's staff takes the opportunity to give The Beast a once-over while Obama and his wife visit Westminster Abbey

'When the United States and Britain stand together, our people and people around the world can become more secure and more prosperous,' they wrote.

'And that is the key to our relationship. Yes, it is founded on a deep emotional connection, by sentiment and ties of people and culture.

'But the reason it thrives, the reason why this is such a natural partnership, is because it advances our common interests and shared values.

'It is a perfect alignment of what we both need and what we both believe. And the reason it remains strong is because it delivers time and again.

'Ours is not just a special relationship, it is an essential relationship - for us and for the world.'


They also promised not to abandon the protesters fighting for democracy in the 'Arab Spring'.

Cleanliness is next to godliness: A member of staff at Number 10 makes the last preparations for the President's visit to Downing Street

'We will not stand by as their aspirations get crushed in a hail of bombs, bullets and mortar fire,' said the two leaders.
'We are reluctant to use force, but when our interests and values come together, we know we have a responsibility to act...
'We will stand with those who want to bring light into dark, support those who seek freedom in place of repression, aid those laying the building blocks of democracy.'


It comes after Foreign Secretary William Hague and US secretary of state Hillary Clinton sent out a message to Syria's President Bashar Assad to halt his regime's repression of pro-democracy activists.

Speaking to American reporters shortly before Mr Obama's arrival, Mr Cameron said there was 'an incredible alignment of views' between his administration and the White House on key global issues, including the military mission in Libya, the uprisings of the Arab Spring, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

'Smile, honey. We'll be meeting the Queen and that hat cost a lot of money.'

And he paid lavish tribute to Mr Obama's style, saying that as well as being 'courageous' over issues such as Osama bin Laden, he was also 'thoughtful, measured and serious'.

The current closeness of the UK-U.S. relationship was remarked upon at a joint press conference following talks between Mr Hague and Mrs Clinton at the Foreign Office.

Mrs Clinton joked: 'If there were any closer alignment, we would worry about each other.'

The two leaders are expected to drop in on a barbecue being hosted by their wives Michelle and Samantha for families of military personnel involved in joint UK-U.S. missions overseas.

Mr Obama is due to travel on to France on Thursday morning for the G8 summit of leading industrialised nations in Deauville, also being attended by Mr Cameron.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1390291/Obama-London-visit-President-hails-partnership-Britain-beginning-day-state-visit.html#ixzz1NJuHK4WS