Ever since First Lady Michelle Obama [1] put her arm around the queen at their first meeting in 2009, the two have become firm friends — and so too have the various members of their families. From glittering state banquets [2] and cozy afternoon tea [3] to social media trash talk [4] and informal suppers [5], two of the most famous families in the world have clearly forged a warm relationship, which goes far beyond formal handshakes and official state business.
When the queen first met the Obamas at Buckingham Palace in 2009, the first lady broke with protocol to put her arm around the monarch — and a friendship was born.
On the same day, the president showed the same unstuffy warmth to Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Building on the solid foundations laid two years earlier, in 2011 the queen hosted the Obamas for a three-day official state visit.
During a white-tie state banquet at Buckingham Palace, the warm relationship between the queen and the president was clear.
The following evening, the president hosted the queen at Winfield House — the official residence of the US ambassador.
Not only did America's first couple spend time with the senior royals, but they also met newlyweds William and Kate for the first time.
Never one to drag his feet, Harry was the next member of the family to strike up a friendship with FLOTUS. On his tour of North America in 2013, he made sure to meet up with Michelle on a trip to DC.
The following year, President Obama was by the queen's side to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
The president and Prince Charles also displayed their close relationship at the event.
Later that year, the friendly pair met up again at a NATO reception in Wales.
At the end of the year, William was in DC to speak about illegal wildlife trafficking and met with the president in the Oval Office.
Prince Charles and the president enjoyed a chat in the Oval Office in March 2015.
When Harry visited the US in 2015 to promote his Invictus Games, he once again met with the first lady — this time in Virginia.
On the same trip, Harry followed in the footsteps of his father and brother and met with the president in the Oval Office.
Earlier this year, the queen marked the day after her 90th birthday with lunch with the Obamas at Windsor Castle. The two couples greeted each other like old friends.
On the same visit, William, Kate, and Harry hosted the first couple for an informal dinner at Kensington Palace.
Prince George became the latest member of the royal family to spend time with the president and first lady.
At the Invictus Games shortly afterward, Harry and Michelle demonstrated their easy rapport.
When the first lady was visiting the UK earlier this year without her husband, not only was she invited to Kensington Palace for tea, but so were her daughters, Malia and Sasha, and her mother, Marian Robinson.