London: US President Barack Obama visited the Windsor Castle on Friday to take part in a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday. The President was kicking off a day of royal events that included a bedtime greeting for the young Prince George, third in line to the throne.
With a patterned scarf tied around her head, the Queen got down from the dark blue Range Rover that her husband, Prince Philip, drove to the landing area for Britain’s oldest and longest-serving monarch to welcome Obama to the castle.
Obama and the first lady were invited for dinner with Prince William, his wife, Kate, and his brother, Prince Harry at Kensington Palace. William is second in line to ascend to the throne after his father, Prince Charles.
Obama held an umbrella for his wife, dressed in a camel-colored ensemble. The royals greeted them and they all posed for photos before entering the residence. William and Kate’s nearly 3-year-old son, Prince George, was spotted just inside the door.
The palace released a series of pictures showing everyone chatting in the drawing room of William and Kate’s home, and Obama kneeling in front of George, who appeared ready for bed in pyjamas and a robe.
At the Windsor Castle luncheon, the Queen wore a periwinkle blue suit while Mrs. Obama wore an Oscar de la Renta print dress topped with a dark purple Narciso Rodriguez coat. The Obamas brought as a gift a photo diary of the Queen’s many visits with US presidents and first ladies.
Obama stopped at 10 Downing Street for talks with David Cameron about the Islamic State (IS) group, Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, global economy, Russia’s stance toward Ukraine, politics and other issues.