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TwitterQueen Elizabeth hugs First Lady Michelle Obama? Holy crumpets!
Looks like the Queen of England really warmed up to First Lady Michelle Obama.
Michelle Obama and Queen Elizabeth actually hugged! And -- according to the Daily Mail -- the Queen made the first move!
Well, it wasn't a big old bear hug or a back-slapping bro hug. It wasn't a makeout session, except perhaps politically.
The embrace was a veddy-polite-mutual-arm-draped-lightly-around-the-waist and arm-around-shoulders gesture. (See photo at left)
Which is kinda major. We never saw the Queen warm up to Princess Diana like that, did you?
The two met for the first time earlier on Wednesday when Michelle joined President Barack Obama to exchange gifts with the royals. Mrs. Obama curtsied to the Queen when she first met her and Prince Phillip in the royal's private apartments.
The Obamas gave the Queen and the Duke a cool personalized iPod containing a video of their visit to Virginia and Washington, DC, in 2007.
The royal couple displayed their generation gap by countering with (yawn) the official framed photo of themselves. What, not even a digital photo frame? Jeez ...
Shortly afterward, the women were standing next to each other joking about their height difference, which is considerable. As the pair moved closer, the Queen put her hand on the waist of Mrs Obama, who returned the embrace around the Queen's shoulders for a few moments as they chatted.
But according to "Inside Edition," not exactly the official curator of modern decorum, this affectionate display between the nations was not a major breach of protocol. No WWIII yet.
"It's obvious that it was a mutual sign of affection and appreciated between the Queen and Michelle Obama," a spokesperson for the Queen told "Inside Edition." "There is no offense. The reception was an informal occasion. There's no breach of protocol."
And as for advice from Buckingham Palace for future Obama encounters: "The only recommendation is that you do what you would naturally feel in that environment."
OK, high five, Queenie!
What do you think of the warm embrace between Michelle and the Queen?
If the Queen hugs you, you kinda have to hug back, right?
Otherwise, you're probably off to the Tower. Clearly, we've been watching too much of "The Tudors."
More Michelle Obama Dish:
What do you think of Michelle Obama's royal outfit?
Photo: Associated Press
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Imo, it was a very sweet gesture and I, truly am wondering what all the hullabaloo is all about.
Yours is the first report of these events, which says that Michelle Obama "curtsied" when she met the useless old crone, which the idiotic British taxpayers waste millions on each year for doing nothing useful at all. And I'm sure you are mistaken. Michelle Obama is a free citizen of a free republic, and the wife of the USA's Chief of State as well, and so, does not bow or "curtsey" to anyone.
As a descendent of Captain Edmund Irby, who fought under Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox" in 1776, I am insulted by all of this slavering! Michelle acts a lot more like a real "queen", than backward and shabby old England's useless old Blimp ever has!
Queen embraces someone?
Im amazed. Truly. This is major-major. I dont know what the Obama's have but I hope it works everywhere.
Im actually liking the Queen more.
Love it love it love it!
OMG David Irby you sound like your knickers are too tight. Get a grip.
I think it's great that the Queen warmed up to her but I wish Ms. Obama had looked at her rear view in a full length mirror before chosing that dress. Is she wearing a crinoline or something? The coat on top of it just makes her look very wide.
Fist bumps with the Queen would have been even cooler if the Queen would have initiated them.
In answer to Cheries post , if you were that bow legged you would look wide to !!!
It's all cool people! Why be mean spirited? After 8 years, a Presidential couple who have grace, refinement and act natural. Let's enjoy.
I think it is great, so what if they barely hugged each other, the Queen is human too. I have always admired the Queen. It makes me admire her even more. As for Michelle Obama, I think she is the most elegant first lady since Jackie Kenndy. I think the President and First Lady are doing a great job. I relate to them more than any president and first lady. People should just leave them alone and let them take care of everything.