Obamas Visit the Queen, Bearing Gifts: iPod, Songbook

Thanks British people as Diamond Jubilee kicks off

(NEWSER) - It's 60 years to the day since Elizabeth II became queen, and she's kicking off a year of celebrations with a message to the British people. "I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and Prince Philip over these years," she writes. "In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope that we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship, and good neighborliness." More»

Prince Philip suffered chest pains

(NEWSER) - The Christmas holiday is off to a not-so-joyful start for the royal family: Prince Philip has undergone treatment for a blocked coronary artery, British royal officials said today. The palace refused to confirm if the queen's 90-year-old husband had suffered a heart attack, saying only that tests showed a blocked coronary artery was causing Philip's discomfort. It was earlier reported that he had been taken to the hospital after suffering chest pains. More»

Who is the nicest, who's the fussiest, and who never picks up his clothes

(NEWSER) - Who is the fussiest member of the British royal family? Where is the secret closet in Buckingham Palace for private drinks? Who can swim in the royal pool? These secrets and more are revealed in the Daily Mail's excerpts of the new book Not in Front of the Corgis (it's been released in Britain, but you'll have to wait for it to hit shelves in the United States). Among the revelations:

• The Prince of Wales gets his shoelaces ironed by his valet every time his shoes come off.

One perk: Live on 50K-acre estate

(NEWSER) - The Queen of England doesn't post much on Craigslist, but she's got a job vacancy that needs filling: Chief gardener at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Elizabeth II wants someone who's driven, can manage others, and won't need much supervision. Presumably you also have to be capable of gardening. The privately owned estate spreads across 50,000 acres and has been in the royal family since 1848, when Queen Victoria snapped it up. Get the job and you'll live like a queen—right on the grounds, the AP reports. More»

US president, first lady welcomed at Buckingham Palace

(NEWSER) - The Obamas were grandly received at Buckingham Palace today, greeted by a 41-gun salute as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip welcomed them to London. Earlier in the day, the president and first lady had a chance to meet with Prince Charles and wife Camilla, as well as newlyweds Prince William and wife Kate—and the Obamas are even staying in the same suite Wills and Kate used on their wedding night. According to the AP , royal watchers say the queen took a liking to the Obamas after their 2009 visit, during which the first lady famously touched the royal back . Click for more pictures, and details on what all the ladies wore . More»