Michelle Obama Queen Elizabeth Photos, Video: Obama Queen Elizabeth Photos

Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, April 1, 2009
The Michelle Obama Queen Elizabeth encounter has made headlines. See photos and video of the First Lady and the Queen of England who, during a reception at Buckingham Palace on April 1, 2009, placed her hand on Michelle Obama’s back during their conversation. The First Lady reciprocated by putting her hand on the Queen.

The controversy? Some claim protocol, as no human being is permitted to touch the Queen of England unless she has touched him or her first. What is most unusual is that the Queen herself appears to have touched Michelle Obama first, and any controversy is whether or not the First Lady should have responded. See photos above and video below.
Queen Elizabeth meets President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama
Photo credit: Pete Souza/White House

The Palace does not take it as a breach of protocol, according to the official response to press inquiries.

This was a mutual and spontaneous display of affection and appreciation between The Queen and Michelle Obama,” said a Palace spokeswoman.

Source: Queen and Michelle Obama – the story behind a touching moment

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are presently in London, England for the G20 Summit of world leaders. The First Lady has already been a popular figure in England with many dazzling over her chic designer clothes and her charisma. So not a complete surprise that the Queen would similarly find her charming, but the chumminess of their encounters is noteworthy, even historic; in 57 years the Queen has never made that kind of gesture towards anyone.

Queen Elizabeth and First Lady Michelle Obama, April 1, 2009

According to an eyewitness

‘There was a bit of a bottleneck as all of the leaders filed out so the Queen started chatting to Michelle Obama. She appeared to look up at her and make a comment about how tall she was.

‘As she did, she put her arm around Mrs Obama and rested her gloved hand on the small of her back.’

Almost simultaneously, Mrs Obama put her arm around the Queen’s shoulders rather more firmly.

‘The pair then looked at their feet and appeared to be discussing their shoes.

‘The Queen then dropped her arm and, a few seconds later, Michelle did the same. The entire exchange lasted around eight to ten seconds but was absolutely extraordinary.’

Source and photo source: Michelle Obama breaks royal protocol by giving the Queen a hug

According to the BBC, reportedly, the Queen also said to First Lady Michelle Obama “Now we’ve met, will you please keep in touch?”

One does not have to rely on eyewitnesses as there is also the Obama Queen video of the encounter. Continue reading to see video and more on the events in London.

Here is the video of the event that is making the headlines.

The history behind this is also fascinating and dates back to Medieval times and the claims of crowned heads in England and France to a divine right to rule, the so-called “divine rights of kings.” Additionally, they were given titles from the Pope.

The Queen, in fact, still has the title Defender of the Faith, an honor given to Henry VIII before he broke with the Catholic Church and established the Church of England. That touch of holiness once gave the occupant of the throne the supposed ability to cure certain diseases — most famously, scrofula, a terrible skin ailment that was called “the king’s evil.”

Source: The Queen and Mrs. Obama: Did the First Lady Break Protocol?

See also many more photos of the Obamas in London:

Time Magazine: Obama’s Travels in Europe

Here is video of First Lady Michelle Obama and her fashion choices. All of her choices have won rave reviews, including a yellow dress designed by Jason Wu (designer of the Michelle Obama inaugural ball gown), a J Crew sparkling cardigan and skirt ensemble. See alsoMrs-O.org for photos of all of the outfits.
Huffington Post has a photo slide show (and links to other slide shows)