Will and Kate Meet the Obamas!

Royal newlyweds greet the president and first lady at Buckingham Palace ahead of a planned luncheon as political heavyweights arrive in England

By Gina Serpe May 24, 2011 2:02 PMTags
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Prince William, Catherine Middleton, Kate MiddletonTOBY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images

Hmm…hopefully nobody mentioned that whole royal wedding invite snub thing.

In their first royal duties since the wedding (and first post-honeymoon public appearance), Prince William and Kate Middleton greeted President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

So whatever did they talk about? And more importantly, what was Kate wearing?!

Well, photographers, of course, were on hand to document the confab, which lasted roughly 15-20 minutes, and took place after Queen Elizabeth formally welcomed the duo to her home (the Duke and Duchess may be the hottest royal commodities outside the palace walls, but inside there's still a pecking order to be upheld).

The meeting, which for those of you who like to know these things took place in the 1844 room of the palace, was described as "relaxed" and the couples reportedly chatted about the royal wedding (awkward) and Will and Kate's upcoming and already highly-anticipated visit to California in July.

But here's the most important detail from the meeting: Kate was wearing a $280 Shola camel bandage dress by Reiss. You're welcome, fashionistas.

After their brief chat, the Obamas joined the monarch in the garden terrace, where the American national anthem played. The President even joined Prince Philip in inspecting the guard of honor while in nearby Green Park, a 41-gun salute courtesy of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery marked the occasion.

Earlier today, directly after landing in England, the Obamas were first met by Prince Charles and Camilla, who are also expected to join them at a dinner tonight for 200 dignitaries. There's no word yet (or photographic evidence) if the Obamas have met with Prince Harry, though we have faith that the so-called spare will finagle himself some face time before the Obamas depart.

The president and first lady are set to spend two nights at Buckingham Palace before continuing their trip of Europe.