Michelle, Queen Stay Tight

An unlikely friendship between Queen Elizabeth and Michelle Obama has blossomed in the weeks since the first couple's visit during the G20 Summit in April, reports the Telegraph. After their weekend in Paris, Michelle Obama flew with her daughters to London for a private tour of Buckingham Palace, a treat for Sasha's eighth birthday. The queen gave a warm personal welcome at the end.

The duo turned heads in April when they spontaneously embraced, a violation of traditional royal protocol and an unprecedented gesture from the monarch. Sources say the queen and the first lady—who discovered shared interests in gardening and clothing—have since kept in touch. Unlike hubby Prince Philip, an avid emailer, Elizabeth corresponds with hand-written notes, though sources say the two also talk by phone.
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