- The Washington Times - Friday, April 22, 2016

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama — who flew separately to England for some royal socializing — had lunch Friday with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle.

The queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived at the castle as trumpets blared in the distance. The monarch celebrated her 90th birthday on Thursday.

Mrs. Obama flew from Washington for the event separately from the president, who had attended a summit in Saudi Arabia before traveling to London. The Obamas will engage in some more royal socializing Friday night at a dinner hosted by Princes William and Harry at Kensington Palace in London.

At lunch, the Obamas brought a birthday gift for the queen — a custom photo album chronicling her visits with U.S. presidents and first ladies. The White House said the collection of historical photos in the album “highlights the enduring close friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom.”

Elizabeth first visited the U.S. in 1951 while still a princess, when she met President Harry Truman and toured Mount Vernon. She has met with nearly every president since then.

• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.

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