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In PHOTOS: Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pose with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh before the state dinner at Buckingham Palace

United States President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle visited Buckingham Palace on Tuesday at the start of their three-day state visit to Britain.

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Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Obama toast during a state banquet in Buckingham Palace

After being welcomed by the Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, they were treated to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. The American couple towered over their royal hosts.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Obama speaks to the Queen during the banquet

The lavish dinner was hosted in the Buckingham Palace's ballroom, where the Prince Charles hosted the private meal for 300 on the evening of the royal wedding.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Obama enjoys a light moment with the Queen

The star-studded banquet saw 171 guests arrive, including Hollywood biggies Tom Hanks, Kevin Spacey and Tim Burton. Britain's Prime Minister were David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and London's Mayor Boris Johnson.

Lamb, roast potatoes and vanilla Charlotte were the delicacies on the menu, to mention a few.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Queen Elizabeth poses with Obama for shutterbugs

"Today, the US remains our most important ally. But our relationship goes far beyond our military ties," the Queen said. She recalled fond memories of first meeting the Obamas in 2009 at the G20 conference in London.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Queen Elizabeth gives a tour to the Obamas in Buckingham Palace

The Queen showed the Obamas around their six-room suite, last used by newlyweds William and Kate on their wedding night. They the viewed the royal picture gallery.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama talk to Britain's Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle forged a special relationship with Prince William and his wife Kate during their visit to the Buckingham Palace. America's first couple struck up an immediate rapport with the young newlyweds, who are just back from their honeymoon.

William and Kate greeted the Obamas in the grand 1844 room of Buckingham Palace at the start of the US state visit to the UK. A Clarence House spokeswoman said the couples spent around 20 minutes together, chatting informally.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Obama reviews an honor guard with Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, during an official arrival ceremony at Buckingham

The president inspected the Scots guard and was greeted with a 41-gun salute -- 21 for a royal event and 20 more because it was in a royal park.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Barack Obama and Britain's Queen Elizabeth stand for the U.S. national anthem at Buckingham Palace

The orchestra at the palace played the US national anthem. Obama, dressed in a dark tuxedo and tails for the white tie dinner, placed his hand over his heart.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Obama looks on as Queen Elizabeth holds on her hat as the wind blows during an official arrival ceremony on the Buckingham Palace.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Obama walks with Prince Charles at the Winfield House in London

Among the bevy of royals that the Obamas met were Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

Obama greets members of the choir at Westminster Abbey

The Obamas also visited Westminster Abbey where they met members of the choir.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

The Obamas are escorted around Westminster Abbey by the Dean of Westminster Dr John Hall

At Westminster Abbey, they were greeted by the dean of Westminster, the Very Rev. Dr. John Hall.

Inside, Obama, with the help of two American servicemen, laid a wreath at the foot of the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, which holds the remains brought from a battlefield cemetery in Northern France in 1920.

Obama's royal welcome to UK

Last updated on: May 25, 2011 14:41 IST

A message from Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, apparently signed by the President with the wrong date in the distinguished visitors' book during a tour of Westminster Abbey

At the end of a highly successful first day of his State visit, Obama spoke of the "rock solid foundation" of a friendship that "never rests", stressing that Britain had been America's "closest partner" since the horrors of 9/11.

It's only the third state visit by a US president in 100 years and comes as the two countries prepare to form a joint national security council to share intelligence.