Obama passes the ball with Cameron.
The two leaders meet and discuss Libya, the IMF, and Afghanistan. And they play ping-pong.
US President Barack Obama met today with British Prime Minister David Cameron on the first day of his visit to England, where he arrived from Ireland. The two leaders will meet again on Wednesday and will maintain the same agenda: the scenarios in Afghanistan and Libya and the succession at the IMF. They also found time for a photo that appeared on websites and newspapers around the world, playing ping-pong. During his stay in Ireland, Obama was photographed drinking a pint of Guinness.
Before meeting with Cameron, Obama and his wife, Michelle, were received at Buckingham Palace today by Queen Elizabeth II, a rare honor for an American leader. The monarch and her husband, Prince Philip, greeted the family on a sunny and windy afternoon in London. After a private tour of the palace, the two couples went to an area where the guard fired a gun salute to honor the visitors. The presidential couple will stay for two nights at the palace, at the Queen's invitation. They will stay in a six-room suite, last used by Prince William and Kate Middleton on their wedding night.
The young couple – now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – had a brief meeting with Americans today, ahead of the reception ceremony at the palace, but will not attend a large banquet in honor of Obama tonight. Obama was received at a private luncheon at the palace, and then toured the British monarchy's private art gallery. The Queen selected some pieces to show the president that might interest him, such as items from Hawaii and works depicting Abraham Lincoln, a former US president greatly admired by Obama.
The president and first lady began the day being greeted by Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, at Winfield House, the mansion used by the US ambassador in London. The presidential couple spent last night there after leaving Ireland early, fearing air travel problems caused by ash spewed by a volcano in Iceland.
Obama is also scheduled to meet briefly with British Prime Minister David Cameron later today. However, the most important talks between the politicians will take place tomorrow, when Afghanistan, Libya, and the global economy will be on the agenda. Even during the trip, Obama is monitoring the response to the violent tornado that struck the US state of Missouri. The president has already said he plans to visit the affected areas on Sunday, after returning from Europe. This information comes from the Associated Press.