Obamas dine with UK royals to seal 'special' relations

Obama says UK, US relations "rests on common language, history, adherence to rule of law, rights of men, ideas born in this nation."

queen elizabeth 224.88 (photo credit: Courtesy)
queen elizabeth 224.88
(photo credit: Courtesy)
LONDON - US President Barack Obama was treated to royal pomp at Buckingham Palace Tuesday on a two-day state visit aimed at ensuring the United States and Britain keep the "special" in their relationship.
Obama, on a four-nation European tour, heard a 41-gun salute at an elaborate arrival ceremony and was given a tour of parts of the palace by Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip. A state dinner concluded the day.
"Our relationship rests on common language, common history, common adherence to the rule of law, the rights of men and women -- the very ideals born in this nation," Obama, wearing white tie and tails, said in a toast at the beginning of the dinner.
"As we confront the challenges of the 21st century, together, we can have confidence in the partnership that our two countries share."