The President and First Lady Host The Queen

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The President and First Lady hosted a dinner for Queen Elizabeth II.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at Winfield House, the residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America, in Regent's Park, on May 25, 2011 in London, England. The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, and First Lady Michelle are in the UK for a two day State Visit at the invitation of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Last night they attended a state banquet at Buckingham Palace and today's events include talks at Downing Street and the President will address both houses of Parliament at Westminster Hall.
-----Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images

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President Obama Addresses the British Parliament

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President Obama Addresses the British Parliament


Transcript of the President's Speech at Westminster Hall

My Lord Chancellor, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Prime Minister, my lords, and members of the House of Commons:

I have known few greater honors than the opportunity to address the Mother of Parliaments at Westminster Hall. I am told that the last three speakers here have been the Pope, Her Majesty the Queen, and Nelson Mandela — which is either a very high bar or the beginning of a very funny joke. (Laughter.)

I come here today to reaffirm one of the oldest, one of the strongest alliances the world has ever known. It’s long been said that the United States and the United Kingdom share a special relationship. And since we also share an especially active press corps, that relationship is often analyzed and overanalyzed for the slightest hint of stress or strain.

Of course, all relationships have their ups and downs. Admittedly, ours got off on the wrong foot with a small scrape about tea and taxes. (Laughter.) There may also have been some hurt feelings when the White House was set on fire during the War of 1812. (Laughter.) But fortunately, it’s been smooth sailing ever since.

The reason for this close friendship doesn’t just have to do with our shared history, our shared heritage; our ties of language and culture; or even the strong partnership between our governments. Our relationship is special because of the values and beliefs that have united our people through the ages.

Centuries ago, when kings, emperors, and warlords reigned over much of the world, it was the English who first spelled out the rights and liberties of man in the Magna Carta. It was here, in this very hall, where the rule of law first developed, courts were established, disputes were settled, and citizens came to petition their leaders.

Over time, the people of this nation waged a long and sometimes bloody struggle to expand and secure their freedom from the crown. Propelled by the ideals of the Enlightenment, they would ultimately forge an English Bill of Rights, and invest the power to govern in an elected parliament that’s gathered here today.

What began on this island would inspire millions throughout the continent of Europe and across the world. But perhaps no one drew greater inspiration from these notions of freedom than your rabble-rousing colonists on the other side of the Atlantic. As Winston Churchill said, the “…Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights, Habeas Corpus, trial by jury, and English common law find their most famous expression in the American Declaration of Independence.”

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The State Visit to England Continues

hat tips-The Obama Diary, SouthernGirl2


POTUS and FLOTUS continue their State Visit to England.


U.S. President Barack Obama arrives at Britain's parliament, in Westminster Hall in London May 25, 2011.
---REUTERS/Jeff J Mitchell/POOL

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More from the State Visit to England

hat tip-The Obama Diary



The President and First Lady are still in England.

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More of the President and First Lady in England

The President and First Lady continue their visit in England


US President Barack Obama (2nd-R) and First Lady Michelle Obama (2nd-L) are accompanied by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (R) and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as they visit an exhibition at the Portrait Gallery inside Buckingham Palace in London, on May 24, 2011. US President Barack Obama Tuesday basked in the lavish royal pageantry of a state visit to Britain, given an extra dash of glamour by a brief encounter with Prince William and his new bride Catherine. The president and his wife Michelle were welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II and a 41-gun salute in the gardens of Buckingham Palace at the start of a two-day visit that will mix pomp with serious diplomacy.
----JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images




President Obama walks with the Dean of Westminster the Very Reverend Dr. John Hall as he visits Westminster Abbey

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The President and First Lady Come to England

hat tips- The Obama Diary, SouthernGirl2




(L-R) U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pose with Queen Elizabeth II and the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Buckingham Palace in London May 24, 2011. Obama is on a four-nation European visit to Ireland, England, France and Poland.
----REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

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