Yes, I know everyone is hyperventilating over the fact that the Michelle Obama had the nerve to hug the Queen. But everyone fails to notice that The Queen was hugging back. I don’t think it’s a big a deal as everyone is making out.
The Brits have an interesting view of Michelle Obama. Tina Brown over at The Daily Beast wrote an interesting post about it yesterday.
Tina Brown said:
The excitement British women feel about the arrival of Michelle Obama in London for the G-20 summit is spiked with awe. She’s so big-time. So self-confident. So devoid of rainy, British diffidence. In a country where most political wives and female members of Parliament are the stylistic equivalent of a tufted ottoman, Michelle’s kind of striding self-assurance, glamour, and broad demographic appeal feels thrillingly 21st-century. The fact that she’s African American adds an inspirational magic.
Read the rest of Why Michelle Obama Wows the Brits here.
I still would never touch the Queen, however. I would be too awed to be in her presence to even mumble “It’s an honour to meet you, Your Majesty.”
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Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia was started to get us back to the UK for a trip and it did that in 2009. Now, the goal is for Anglotopia to make our dreams of traveling to the UK whenever we want a reality.
I think many of the British public and Anglophiles have been undeservedly critical on the Obamas for their conduct with the Queen and the Browns. I think it might come down to trying to downplay the immense hype over their arrival, no other US President or dignitary has ever had nearly this much publicity and I think it leaves a bad taste in the mouths of some because after all, Britain is hosting this summit and this should be their chance to shine.
I just keep thinking, what would I do if I met the Queen? What do you give a woman who has everything, how do you treat a woman who has lived her life on the seat of royalty so long? I don’t think I would have acted any different.
I think its unfair that giving the iPod to the Queen was lookied upon as arrogant. She gave him a photo of herself, and it was explained away as “the standard gift” but I don’t see how that sets her gift apart from theirs. So are the critics saying that if the Obamas gave an iPod to every dignitary they met that would make it okay because it was their customary thing to do?
I came face to face with Queen Elizabeth II in San Antonio in 1991. All I could manage was a very lame “Hello.” I was taken back by her striking eyes and porcelain skin. At first I gasped when I saw this footage but later learned that the Queen actually made the first move. That made me feel better yet I wonder if Prince Charles is jealous?
Thanks for commenting guys. I do agree that the media is perhaps being a little harsh (and by proxy I may be as well). I think the gift exchange was fine this time around (at least iPods aren’t region coded). As as long as the Queen made the first move, then giving her a good hug is perfectly all right.
I think the Obama’s did better than I expected they would.
@smitten – I probably couldn’t even manage a hello!
She’s just such an awe inspiring figure. She’s walking, living, breathing history. She’s lived through the highs and lows or the last 80 years and is still an inspiring figure. Always doing her duty to a grateful (mostly at least) nation.
never mind- you won’t publish anyway .this is the 3rd time i already put my comment and at first only name is requred and i don’t agree with the obama’s ways. and now, i am required to put my address/mail. it’s BS.
According to a recent poll, only 82% of Democrats would re-elect Obama if they could vote today. They voted for hope and ended up with change.