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They may be America's First Family but Michelle Obama with children in tow did today what all tourists do when in London - they visited Westminster Abbey.
Mrs Obama and her daughters Sasha, 10, and eight-year-old Malia enjoyed a crash-course in 1,000 years of English history during their hour-long visit to the abbey.
Fellow sightseers looked on in near open-mouthed amazement as the Obamas "did" Westminster Abbey.
Taken on a private tour by the Dean of Westminster the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, they were shown Poets' Corner, the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, the Coronation Chair and Henry VII's Lady Chapel.
The presidential cavalcade - minus the president who is back in Washington after the D-Day anniversary - arrived just after 10.30am.
The abbey was then closed to new arrivals but anybody still in there was afforded the extra attraction of the Obama family.
"I couldn't quite believe it when I saw her walking by," said Judy Duvall, from the Obamas' home state of Illinois. "I saw her face and recognised her immediately.
"One of the guys at the abbey had said we should wait against the wall because they were bringing someone in. I said we were from Illinois and he said we should recognise them then.
"Right then I knew it was probably someone from our 'royal family'.
"One of the girls was wearing a long yellow coat - she looked very striking. It was great to see them."
The abbey refused to say when it first knew about the visit although most staff were told at 9am when the US Secret Service arrived to secure the area.
The Obamas and their entourage arrived in bullet-proof Chevrolet Suburban cars. They were then whisked through a back door into the abbey.
One guard said: "We get it all the time because it is such a tourist attraction, but because this was a secret visit we only knew about it just before she arrived. There were quite a few people gathered outside when they saw the police cars everywhere."
Mrs Obama, 45, waved to onlookers as she emerged from the abbey in front of a gathering crowd.
The Obamas are enjoying a two-day private tour of London which yesterday took in Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament.
Last night, eschewing the capital's finest restaurants, they plumped for fish and chips in a London pub.
Staff at The Audley in Mayfair told today of their astonishment as the Obamas traipsed into the old-fashioned boozer, accompanied by secret service agents.
The children chose the fish supper at £7.95 while their mother opted for sirloin steak at £9.15. Before their main course the girls tucked into a cheese platter, washed down with Pepsi Cola.
Mrs Obama shared wine with the adult entourage, who ate burgers.
"We had a booking for a table of 15 but we had no idea it was going to be them," said waitress Cintia Pinto, 24, who served Mrs Obama.
She added: "We were all speechless when they walked in. I couldn't believe it. But they were all very friendly. Smiling and laughing. They made us feel calm.
"The girls were so sweet and polite. They thanked us every time we brought them something. It was a real honour."
Reader views (8)
Another whoopee-do moment!
You either like the president (as Beth, London apparently does), or you don't (I don't). It's nothing to do with small-mindedness, it's about what you think of the job the man is doing. Disliking his socialistic politics is not (yet) an offence.
All this aside - so what if the man, on holiday, does what people do on holiday? His wife (and I would remind you that she is the one that WASN'T elected) is wearing clothes? Good - that's generally thought to be a good idea when out and about in public.
- Rogan, Irving, 10/06/2009 06:15
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Bailey, you are so right about your observation. My grandma' use wear her apron all the time - darn thing I tell you - Walk with the same thing on 5th Ave and that's a fashion sense... If only my grandmother can see us now.
- Jp, NY, US, 09/06/2009 23:00
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As an American expat in London, I can say that the comments of my fellow Americans to this story are part of the reason I don't live in the US anymore.
The Obamas are much better ambassadors than George W and his family. They have style and intelligence. They don't run back to the US just because the summits are done but are taking advantage of the educational opportunities for their children than other countries can provide.
And while I wouldn't wear the outfit Michelle Obama has on, I wouldn't wear most "high fashion" clothing either. I'm pleased that she has her own sense of style and the confidence to show it off.
- Beth, London, 09/06/2009 17:49
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The US is held in much higher regard around the world since Obama was elected. But no doubt some of the comments above will be of the small-minded 'why should we care about anyone outside of the States' type.
Can we swap the Royal Family for the Obamas? Your tax dollars can pay for the Queen - it'll save this country a large amount of money.
- K Sheppard, London, 09/06/2009 17:29
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This woman is almost as much of an embarassment as her husband. You fawning brits can have them, please! They are ruining my great country. The only good thing about them going to Washington is that they left Illinois. Not everyone from this state loves them because we know the truth about how they got to where they are. God save us all from these horrible people. Wake up everyone and see them for what they really are!
- Meg, Chicago USA, 09/06/2009 16:42
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Michelle Obama is a stain on America.
As an American, I am ashamed of this fat, hidiously dressed ghetto trash.
- E Howard Bailey, Houston, Texas, 09/06/2009 15:49
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what the heck is she wearing? It looks like Aunt Esther apron
- No Fan, USA, 09/06/2009 15:32
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"The bill came to a little over £200"
Try getting a British politician to spend that little on a meal for his entourage.
- Bob, Cheam, 09/06/2009 13:38
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