President Obama hails special relationship at banquet with Queen Elizabeth
US President Barack Obama has hailed his country's "special relationship" with the UK in a speech delivered at a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. The banquet was hosted by the Queen and attended by royalty, politicians and film stars. It came at the end of a packed first day of the president's state visit. The Queen opened proceedings by telling President Obama and his wife Michelle that she was "so glad" they were visiting the UK again.
She said: "I firmly believe that the strength of our links and many shared interests will continue to ensure that, when the US and the UK stand together, our people and other people of goodwill around the world will be more secure and can become more prosperous." She proposed a toast to "celebrate the tried, tested - and, yes, special relationship between our two countries". The president then told the guests: "As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I'm particular grateful for the solidarity that the United Kingdom has shown to America over the past decade.
"From that day to this you have been our closest partner in the struggle to protect our people from terrorism attacks and violent extremism from around the world despite very heavy sacrifices here." To conclude, the president proposed a toast to the Queen, but there appeared to be a mistake as the band played the opening bars to God Save the Queen before he had finished.
The Obamas arrived in London on Monday night from the Republic of Ireland, a day ahead of schedule because of the threat of disruption from the volcanic ash cloud. ...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13534368
She said: "I firmly believe that the strength of our links and many shared interests will continue to ensure that, when the US and the UK stand together, our people and other people of goodwill around the world will be more secure and can become more prosperous." She proposed a toast to "celebrate the tried, tested - and, yes, special relationship between our two countries". The president then told the guests: "As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, I'm particular grateful for the solidarity that the United Kingdom has shown to America over the past decade.
"From that day to this you have been our closest partner in the struggle to protect our people from terrorism attacks and violent extremism from around the world despite very heavy sacrifices here." To conclude, the president proposed a toast to the Queen, but there appeared to be a mistake as the band played the opening bars to God Save the Queen before he had finished.
The Obamas arrived in London on Monday night from the Republic of Ireland, a day ahead of schedule because of the threat of disruption from the volcanic ash cloud. ...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13534368
(SMILE)