Obamas Hit By Dueling Royal 'Blunders'

(Newser) – President Obama just can’t catch a break in London. After screwing up the date in the Westminster Abbey guest book yesterday, Politico reports that he miscued while toasting Queen Elizabeth at last night’s Buckingham Palace state dinner. The orchestra, apparently believing he was... More »

(Newser) – President Obama just can’t catch a break in London. After screwing up the date in the Westminster Abbey guest book yesterday, Politico reports that he miscued while toasting Queen Elizabeth at last night’s Buckingham Palace state dinner. The orchestra, apparently believing he was finished with his remarks, started playing “God Save the Queen”—right in the middle of Obama’s toast. He kept speaking, right over the British national anthem, and the AP reports that he later joked to the deputy prime minister that the orchestra had simply provided a soundtrack to his words.

Michelle Obama had her own minor slip-up: When the Obamas met with the queen earlier in the day, the first lady was sans hat. While hats aren’t required for meetings with the queen, wearing one can be seen as a sign of respect, CBS News reports. And of course in 2009, Michelle actually touched the queen… Less »