From President Obama posing for selfies with other heads of state to former President George W. Bush’s chat with Queen Rania as wife Laura sat in silence, the U.S. presidents attending Nelson Mandela’s memorial service were in hot demand.
Mr. Obama received most of the attention by posing for a so-called selfie with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and Britain’s David Cameron. Ms. Thorning-Schmidt seemed to be enjoying her time with her attentive seatmate, even leaning in to help Mr. Obama with a portion of his program as wife Michelle sat off to their side.
Mr. Bush, who along with Laura flew to South Africa with the Obamas, appeared to be enjoying a chat with Queen Rania of Jordan during the service. The royal even went so far as to lean over her row in the stadium-style seating to catch the former president’s attention.
A stone-faced Laura sat nearby in one image captured by Associated Press photographers.
And former President Bill Clinton didn’t let leading his wife Hillary and daughter Chelsea down the stadium steps from stopping him from talking with an unidentified female admirer. He also made sure to make time for Queen Rania.
Pictures taken at the memorial have already made more news than most of the eulogies. In addition to Mr. Obama’s “selfie,” he raised eyebrows around the world and in Congress by shaking the hand of Cuban President Raul Castro.
PHOTOS: Ladies' men: Presidents in hot demand with the ladies
• Ian Bishop can be reached at ibishop@washingtontimes.com.
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