first lady gives a hug

[roseofsharon]

what does anyone think about the hug,or close to a hug - the first lady put her arm around The Queen's back.

President Carter was very inapproriate with her mother when he gave her a smooch directly on the mouth.

The Queen does seem to have invited the physical contact by putting her arm out first
thoughts?

[Cinderella]

You know what I keep thinking -- the Queen is a very sophisticated woman who has been in all kinds of situations with all kinds of people. She knows that some people tend to be spontaneous in this way, and she reacted graciously because, well, that's her job. All in a day's work.

Some people are also trying to say that Prince Philip insulted President Obama, but I think that's also much ado about nothing. You can hear on the video what they were saying, and it sounded to me like joking small talk on both sides.

[paulchen]

If you watch the whole footage, you will see that The Queen had her arm around Mrs Obama's waist. Her Majesty only broke away because Mrs Obama is so much taller than her and then asked the US President's wife to keep in touch. I think, like Cinderella says, that The Queen is a gracious lady, but she is no snob. I think she is a pretty good judge of character and enjoys people she meets being spontaneous rather than stuffy and boring. Remember the guy in Canada who asked to have his photo taken and put his arm around her shoulder? Did she say no? Did she frown? No, she smiled and just got on with it. Remember the American woman who hugged Her Majesty when she came into her house? Who wouldn't?

There is a time and place for everything. Her Majesty knows how to behave with other world leaders. She isn't just some dodery old woman, she is a seriously-experienced Head of State, just as much, if not more tahn any elected president. But she is a human being who enjoys an informal get-together.

Having said that, the press will always look for some molehill to make a mountain out of. I always remember a documentary, years ago, where The Queen and Princess Anne are discussing the President of Poland swearing. At the time you wouldn't have thought anything had happened, but later, at a reception, they have a laugh about it. That would be splashed on the front pages of the papers as outrageous nowadays.

[sullyo]

It was nice of Queen Elizabeth II to complain about Prime Minister Berlusconi shouting at President Obama when the group photograph was been taken !

[Cinderella]

Apr 4, 2009 11:46:30 GMT paulchen said:

Her Majesty knows how to behave with other world leaders. She isn't just some dodery old woman, she is a seriously-experienced Head of State, just as much, if not more tahn any elected president. But she is a human being who enjoys an informal get-together.

That is how it appears to me, too. I had the impression she and Prince Philip were trying to make the Obamas feel welcome, and I think they succeeded. The Queen was being friendly and natural, and made Mrs Obama feel she could be friendly and natural, too. The Queen knows what she's doing!

[wendy]

I think it was a great moment for both women, but especially for the Queen. The old "stuffy" label dissolved instantly. I don't believe she is stuff at all but many have alluded to that over the years in print. I am sure that she and Mrs. Obama will keep in touch. I'd sure want to if I were in Michelle's shoes!

[Tudor Rose]

Mrs. Obama's behavior was not really that big of a deal, but it says much about many Americans' lack of worldliness. Probably the United States would really benefit by using some of its aristocratic citizens for diplomatic service.

Michele Obama is well educated, but her background would not make her familiar with proper royal etiquette.

There are several aristocrats born in the United States. There is even a royal from her home city of Chicago, Princely Count Vitus Sebastian Barbaro, Patrician of Venice; Baron Albergo. His Illustrious Highness is very well educated and sophisticated. Someone like Princely Count Barbaro would do wonders for America's image on the world stage, and an American-born royal would probably win points with Her Majesty the Queen.

[Cinderella]

Hi, Tudor Rose, nice to have you on the board.

[dukeofearl]

hmm great princely count baron that lives in USA...sorry, but if he wants to rep his 'class' he could go back to italy..oh wait..lol..we enjoy royalty just as long as its others' royalty