Obamas to meet Prince William and Princess Catherine

Barack and Michelle Obama are to meet Britain's Prince William and Princess Catherine today (24.05.11) as part of their state visit to the UK.

Barack and Michelle Obama are to meet Britain's Prince William and Princess Catherine.

The US political leader and his wife - whose state visit to the UK was brought forward due to the turmoil caused by the ash cloud from an erupting Icelandic volcano - will meet with the newly-married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge later today (24.05.11).

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson revealed: "We can confirm that President and Mrs. Obama will meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shortly after their arrival at Buckingham Palace today."

While the president wasn't able to attend the royal couple's nuptials on April 29, he will have the chance to congratulate William and Kate - who recently returned from their 10-day honeymoon to the Seychelles - in person, after recently telling Prince Charles how fascinated his country was by their wedding.

After the heir to the British throne visited Mr. Obama two weeks ago, a White House spokesperson said: "The president also congratulated the prince on the wedding of his son, Prince William, to Catherine and extended his best wishes to the newlywed couple."

The Obamas are due to meet William and Kate in Buckingham Palace for around 10 minutes before proceeding on to a formal ceremonial welcome in the gardens of the royal residence.