The Obamas in Europe–Innocents Abroad?
You could say that this is the update post for the G20 and the socializing, conferences and public appearances the Obamas will be doing throughout. Yup, Michelle changed her dress on the plane; I preferred what she wore going out of the country, but whatever. She’s there to give Carla Bruni Sarkozy a run for her money, and to keep the couturiers and culture columnists on their toes. I hope André Leon Talley has been giving her some tips.
Michelle in Paris Match--yeah, it's in French
That lovely picture in blue? Photographed by Annie Leibovitz. This is part of the shoot, too.
About that tea the Obamas will be having with The Queen? Her Majesty will be accompanied by the remaining full-blown racist in the family, Prince Philip, for 20-25 minutes of “getting to know you”; after that, there will be a reception with the rest of the senior members of the Royal Family, which will probably include all of the Queen’s sons, the Prince of Wales (Charles), the Duke of York (Andrew), and the Earl of Wessex (Edward), and her daughter, the Princess Royal (Anne) and their spouses, along with other world leaders, so-called Massas of the Universe, and economists and their spouses. I know this one is going to be a killer diller. Not for what’s said, but what isn’t said. The Daily Mail said:
The ‘getting to know you’ session – which will probably last about 25 minutes – is something of a break with protocol because visiting heads of state normally meet the monarch only if they are on an official state visit, whereas Mr Obama will be in town as one of a number of leaders.
Of course, The Queen could talk about how much she likes Kenya…
Check it out. And enjoy.
The Timetable (London): This also includes major demonstrations occurring at the same time.
TODAY
9am: Gordon Brown and President Obama hold talks.
11am: Financial Fools’ Day protests planned with Green groups, peace campaigners, communists and anarchists gathering at four stations: Moorgate, Liverpool Street, London Bridge and Cannon Street.
The marches will meet at the Bank of England for a ‘G20 Meltdown Carnival.’
12.30pm: Fossil Fool’s Day demonstration – environment campaigners wearing white will bring a huge block of ice to the ExCel centre.
2pm: Stop The War and CND, along with Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the British Muslim Initiative, to hold a rally at U.S. Embassy.
Afternoon: Barack and Michelle Obama meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
4pm: An Alternative London Summit may still go ahead at the Docklands campus of the University of East London, despite the suspension of its organizer. Potential speakers include Tony Benn, film director Ken Loach and former mayor Ken Livingstone.
Afternoon: World leaders, their spouses, finance ministers and central bankers begin to arrive at Buckingham Palace for reception hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
6pm: ‘Your Party’s Over!’ Fossil Fool’s Day Protestors picket a celebration of centenary of BP at the British Museum’s Great Russell Street gate.
8.30pm: Dinner at Downing Street, hosted by Gordon Brown and prepared by Jamie Oliver, who will hope his pregnant wife Jools does not go into labor.
Spouses enjoy a separate dinner with celebrity guests such as J.K. Rowling, also at Number 10, while finance ministers and bankers dine at Tate Britain.
TOMORROW
Early am: Protesters plan to march on politicians’ hotels at ExCel Center in Docklands.
7am: More protest action with plans for a giant game of Monopoly at the London Stock Exchange.
7.30am: Leaders arrive at ExCel Centre for a day of talks.
9am: Youth ‘March for Jobs’ starting at Camberwell Green.
3.30pm: Final press conference begins.
Evening: Leaders begin to leave.
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