Queen Hails Special Ties With US
By KUNA
Earlier in his address US President Obama spoke of the “rock solid foundation” between the two countries.
“From that day to this you have been our closest partner in the struggle to protect our people from terrorism attacks and violent extremism from around the world despite very heavy sacrifices here,” Obama said.
He went on to say: “As we confront the challenges of the 21st century together we have can confidence in the partnership our two countries share, based on a rock solid foundation built during Queen Elizabeth’s lifetime of extraordinary service to her nation and to the world.” He thanked the UK for its solidarity after the 9/11 attacks.
The first day of the state visit saw Obama and Cameron team up to play table tennis at a south London school. The two leaders took off their jackets for the challenge but lost to 16-year-olds Jason Do and Jamiyu Mojaji at the Globe Academy in Southwark.
“Who wants to take me on?” Obama said as he walked into the gym, before adding: “You can’t have the old guys against the young.” During a windy welcome ceremony on the terrace of Buckingham Palace, Mrs Obama was left desperately protecting her modesty.
Strong gusts had the First Lady clutching her dress as it threatened to blow up into the air, while the Queen and Duchess of Cornwall had to hang on to their hats.
A motorcade of 19 cars and coaches, including a London ambulance, escorted the president in his armoured cadillac, known as The Beast, around the capital amid tight security.
William and Kate were brought in to charm the Obamas and travelled to the palace especially to see them.
The Obamas did not attend the recent royal wedding, with this state visit seen as a sweetener instead.
Tomorrow will be devoted to politics, with talks between the leaders at 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.
The two leaders are also expected to drop in on a barbecue being hosted by their wives for families of military personnel involved in joint UK-US missions overseas.
