The Obamas in London for royal holiday... and a bit of business.

President Obama plunged into a whirlwind of socializing Friday that began over a birthday lunch with Queen Elizabeth II, and ended with a dinner hosted by the trio of young royals who represent the future of the British monarchy.

Obama, accompanied by his wife, Michelle, arrived by helicopter on the verdant grounds of Windsor Castle, the sprawling, centuries-old royal residence just west of London where the queen celebrated her 90th birthday a day earlier.

A series of royal engagements made up the centerpiece of Obama’s three-day valedictory trip to London, which was filled with multiple helicopter lifts and his lengthy motorcade winding its way through the city’s narrow streets.

Obama broke up the royal holiday by stopping at 10 Downing St. for private talks with Prime Minister David Cameron about the so-called Islamic State, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, the global economy, Russia’s stance toward Ukraine and other issues.

They also discussed Britain’s possible exit from the European Union, or Brexit, which Obama opposes, as well as the U.S. presidential campaign that will determine Obama’s successor.

Obama capped the day with a trip to Kensington Palace, where he and the first lady were invited for dinner with Prince William, his wife, Kate, and his brother, Prince Harry. William is second in line to ascend to the throne after his father, Prince Charles.

Obama on Saturday opened his last full day in London by taking in a performance cribbed from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet,  including portions of the prince of Denmark’s famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy.

The performance was part of Obama’s tour of the Globe theater — his way of partaking in the widespread commemorations of the Bard on the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death.

Obama next stop was town hall-style event with young people.

U.S. President Barack Obama implored young British people on Saturday not to pull back from the world, a day after sparking a row by bluntly telling Britain it should remain in the European Union to preserve its remaining global clout.

Speaking to about 550 invited British young people at a “town hall” event on Saturday, Obama sought to pitch a more optimistic message to young Britons, who are considered to be more pro-European, if less active voters than their parents. (AP)



Yahoo News Photo.
Culled from Yahoo News.