Queen-Michelle PDA A-OK: Royal Court

Republicans find lavish celebrations fly in face of austerity elsewhere

(NEWSER) - Not everyone in Britain is thrilled beyond words about Queen Elizabeth's big diamond jubilee on Saturday: Somewhere between 22% and 50% of Britons are estimated to be anti-monarchist, and with a tough austerity program rocking Britain's economy, many anti-austerity protesters are teaming up with republicans to demonstrate against the flashy (and costly) celebrations of Britain's second-longest serving monarch ever, reports the Guardian . Yesterday, 400 people gathered for an "alternative jubilee street party" outside the deputy prime minister's home, one of 11 protests held around the country to demonstrate against the government's austerity program. More»

Prez screws up toast to queen, Michelle dares to go bare (gasp)

(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. 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»

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) - From sequins to argyle to matching coat-and-dress sets, Michelle Obama's unpretentious but chic style has European tongues wagging, ABC News reports. In her most-watched moment, the first lady outdid former model Carla Bruni, glowing in a black-and-poppy-printed Thakoon Panichgul coat over a stunning pink dress. The French first lady looked washed-out in gray Dior. To view a slideshow of Michelle Obama's traveling wardrobe, click on the image icon. More»