• Obama addresses UK Parliament, BBQs with Cameron

    Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

    U.S. President Barack Obama is escorted to address both Houses of Parliament in London on Wednesday, May 25. Flanking Obama are Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow, left, and Speaker of the House of Lords Baroness Helene Hayman. Obama is on a four-nation European visit to Ireland, England, France and Poland.

    Jeff J. Mitchell / Pool via EPA

    President Barack Obama addresses the members of Parliament in Westminster Hall in London on Wednesday, May 25.

    Larry Downing / Reuters

    President Barack Obama, right, and British Prime Minister David Cameron serve sausages and hamburgers to US and British military service members, veterans and family members in a courtyard at 10 Downing Street in London on Wednesday.

    Lawrence Jackson / The White House via Getty Images

    First Lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron, talk before having tea in the private residence at Downing Street on Tuesday.

    Matt Cardy / Getty Images

    President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron leave Downing Street on Wednesday in London.

     msnbc.com news services reports

    In an address to British Parliament on Wednesday, President Barack Obama sought to counter critics who assert that U.S. and British influence in world affairs is waning as rising powers like China and India assert themselves.

    To the lawmakers seated at majestic Westminster Hall, Obama declared: "The time for our leadership is now." Continue reading.

    •  More photos from Obama's state visit in London here.

  • Obama toasts queen, special US-Britain bond

    AP reports:

    In lavish style, President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday affirmed a bond between the United States and the United Kingdom that has strengthened through the sacrifice of war and a history of common values. As the queen put it, the relationship is "tried, tested and, yes, special."

    Today's earlier PhotoBlog post from Buckingham Palace.

    Lewis Whyld / AP

    Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and U.S. President Barack Obama during a state banquet in Buckingham Palace, London, on Tuesday May 24. President Barack Obama immersed himself in the grandeur of Britain's royal family Tuesday, as Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him to Buckingham Palace for the first day of a state visit.

    WPA Pool / Getty Images

    Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, U.S. President Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during a State Banquet in Buckingham Palace on May 24 in London, England. The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, and his wife Michelle are in the UK for a two day State Visit at the invitation of HM Queen Elizabeth II. During the trip they will attend a state banquet at Buckingham Palace and the President will address both houses of parliament at Westminster Hall.

     

     

  • Larry Downing / Reuters

    U.S. President Barack Obama plays table tennis against students with British Prime Minister David Cameron at the Globe Academy in London May 24,

    Obama and Cameron team up for ping pong doubles

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  • Obamas greeted by royal family at Buckingham Palace

    Murray Sanders / WPA Pool via Getty Images

    Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. President Barack Obama review an honor guard of the First Battalion Scots Guards at a ceremony of welcome at Buckingham Palace on May 24.

    Murray Sanders / WPA Pool via Getty Images

    U.S. President Barack Obama reviews an honor guard with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace on May 24.

    Charles Dharapak / AP

    U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama meet with Britain's Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace in London on May 24.

    Dominic Lipinski / WPA Pool via Getty Images

    Prince Charles walks with U.S. President Barack Obama as they leave Winfield House, the official residence of the US Ambassador, in Regent's Park in London on May 24.

    Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

    U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth II as first lady Michelle Obama and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, look on, at Buckingham Palace in London on May 24.

    msnbc.com staff and news service reports: President Obama and his wife Michelle are in the UK for a state visit at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II, who is hosting them for two nights at Buckingham Palace.  They were welcomed to the palace this morning in an elaborate arrival ceremony, and will be toasted at an intimate banquet for about 200 royals and other dignitaries Tuesday evening.

    Royal watchers say the queen has taken a liking to the Obamas ever since meeting the couple during their 2009 visit to London.

    Read more on President Obama's visit to the UK.