What's On the Queen's New iPod? Showtunes

Saudi king, Palestinian president at opposite ends of spectrum

(NEWSER) - The State Department has released the list of gifts given by foreign governments to President Obama or federal workers in 2010, and it's already being gleefully picked apart. Read it in full here as a PDF, or check out the cheapest and most expensive here:

• Most expensive, $34,000: The honor goes to Abdullah bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud, kind of Saudi Arabia, writes Dan Amira at New York magazine . The description: "Large desert scene on a green veined marble base featuring miniature figurines of gold palm trees and camels; large gold medallion with the Royal seal in a green leather display box; large brass and glass clock by Jaeger-LeCoultre in a green leather display case." Click to see Amira's roundup of the top 10 priciest gifts, with a surprise appearance by Haiti.

Sarkozy invites prince to commemoration after snub uproar

(NEWSER) - Prince Charles will attend the 65th commemoration of D-Day in France, celebrating the occasion alongside Nicolas Sarkozy and Barack Obama, the Times of London reports. Earlier, it appeared that no member of the royal family would be invited, a snub that left Queen Elizabeth decidedly unamused. Sources say Charles, a friend of Sarkozy’s, called the French president, and soon received an official invite. More»

(NEWSER) - Michelle Obama presented her new amie Carla Bruni with a hard-rockin', all-American gift today: a Gibson guitar, People reports. The two first ladies, who first met yesterday, kissed hello and held hands briefly during a tour of a cathedral and museum in Strasbourg. Obama also agreed to help the model-turned-singer in her AIDS charity work. Next stop for Michelle and Barack? Date night in Prague, the Times of London reports. More»

Video shows annoyed monarch; palace denies hard feelings

(NEWSER) - God save Silvio Berlusconi if he has irked the queen—and that’s just what the Italian premier appears to do in a video that’s become a YouTube sensation, the Telegraph reports. After Queen Elizabeth joined G20 leaders for a class photo, Berlusconi roared, “Mr. Obama!” Bristled Her Majesty: “What is it? Why does he have to shout?” More»

(NEWSER) - Michelle Obama’s hands-on encounter with Queen Elizabeth yesterday was not a breach of protocol, Buckingham Palace assures CNN. The two shared a surprising half-embrace, virtually unheard of from Her Highness. “It was a mutual and spontaneous display of affection and appreciation,” the Royal Press Office said. Besides, the reception where the PDA occurred was “an informal occasion.” More»