First Lady of Bling: Michelle shines at star-studded U.S. party in honour of the Queen

By Daily Mail Reporter


Shining example: First lady Michelle Obama wore stunning jewellery for last night's bash at the U.S Ambassador's residence in London's Regent's Park


Michelle Obama dazzled in a glittering array of jewels last night as she co-hosted a dinner in honour of the Queen.

The First Lady scored a final fashion bulls-eye in a stunning black off-the-shoulder dress by all-American designer Ralph Lauren at the black-tie dinner.

The president’s wife showed off a selection of costume jewellery including a cuff and necklace by Irish designer Tom Binns.

A similar necklace sells on his website for £1,500.

Loving glance: The Presidential couple share a moment as they await the royals arrival for the meal - which was held as a thank you for Tuesday night's state banquet


Mr Obama had invited the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to Winfield House in Regent’s Park, the official home of the U.S. Ambassador as a thank-you for last night’s Buckingham Palace state banquet.

Guests, who numbered more than 50, included Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Sam, England footballer David Beckham, Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, Oscar winner Colin Firth, and Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

Notable absences included Victoria Beckham, who is believed to have remained at home in LA.

Warm welcome: The Obamas greet the Queen and Duke on the red carpet at Winfield House

Driven personalities: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip arrive in style at Winfield House

Grand entrance: President Barack Obama and Michelle pose with the Queen before the posh knees-up begins


The Queen and the Duke were welcomed when they arrived by the Obamas, who had waited patiently on the mansion’s doorstep for a few minutes.

The two couples greeted each other warmly, shaking hands and exchanging smiles and a few words before posing for the waiting U.S. and UK media.

The Queen wore an Angela Kelly white evening dress with gold and silver sequins and an emerald necklace and matching earrings.

The Duke of Edinburgh laughs as the Queen signs the visitor's book, and Michelle Obama is unfortunately positioned in front of a large plant

Grand: Winfield House is a fittingly lavish venue for a party with such distinguished guests

Ever a gent: President Obama pulls back a chair so Her Majesty can sit down to sign the guest book following the meal


The two heads of state led the way through the residence’s entrance which was flanked by two U.S. marines.

The ambassador’s neo-Georgian style residence has a symbolic and political role and is a place where leading figures from all walks of life are entertained by America’s official representative in the UK.

Its walls are hung with modern works of art by American artists like Rothko and Lichtenstein and it has been sumptuously furnished to reflect its importance.

Star-studded affair: Oscar winners Colin Firth with wife Livia, and Tom Hanks with wife Rita, are pictured leaving the party last night


Winfield House was built by the famous American socialite Barbara Hutton, dubbed the ‘poor little rich girl’ because of her troubled life, who lived there for a period with her husband Cary Grant.

The 35-room mansion replaced a John Nash building and was named after Hutton’s grandfather Frank Winfield Woolworth, founder of the retail stores.

The guests enjoyed a three-course meal that included lobster ravioli, griddled fillet of aged Highland beef, crushed jersey royals with rosemary, asparagus and minted broad beans, topped off with classic pecan pie and brandy ice cream for dessert.

After the last plates had been cleared, American Tony Award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth performed for the diners.

The entertainer, who is also well known for her television roles in The West Wing and Pushing Daisies, was also a guest at the state banquet.

Yesterday Mrs Obama was also the star attraction when she visited Oxford University’s Christ Church college to meet a group of schoolgirls from an inner-city secondary school.

Fashion-spiration: Michelle Obama wore a white tunic shirt and belt by Alexander McQueen for her speech at Oxford University


The solo visit by the President’s wife was arranged at her suggestion to help encourage the pupils from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school in North London to think about studying for a degree.

The First Lady had visited the school two years ago and has kept in touch ever since, writing letters and encouraging the girls in their studies.

The 37 girls present were specially picked because they are interested in science and need help to reach their full potential.

Strike a pose: Michelle poses with the students from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School


Dressed in black trousers, a long white Alexander McQueen jacket worth £600 and a £500 gold and white McQueen belt, Mrs Obama was greeted like an old friend as she entered the college’s dining room.

The girls sat at two long tables to listen to her remarks, in a scene that will be familiar to fans of the Harry Potter films – the dining room was used as the set for the Grand Hall at Hogwarts in the movies.

In a question and answer session with the pupils, Mrs Obama, who is a mother of two girls, spoke on everything from bringing up children in the White House to when there will be a female U.S. president.

Encouraging: The First Lady advised the girls from secondary school to take risks and persevere with their education as she did with hers


One girl asked her if she knew when she first met him that Mr Obama would achieve great things. To laughter from the youngsters, she replied: ‘Absolutely not’, before adding: ‘I’m kidding. Honestly, when I met him I knew he was special. I’m sharing secrets here.’

In an inspiring speech, Mrs Obama told the girls: ‘We passionately believe that you have the talent within you, you have the drive, the experience to succeed at Oxford and universities just like it across the country and the world.’

Referring to her own experience of attending university, she added: ‘I remember back at a young age trying to decide what schools to apply to and how well-meaning but misguided people questioned whether someone with my background could succeed at an elite university.

‘But after a few months away from home I realised I was just as capable and I had just as much to offer (as) any of my classmates.’

Mrs Obama was also asked how different it is to bring her daughters up in the White House.

She joked that there were now more cameras but added that her feelings about being a mother had not changed.

‘The same things I tell my girls are the things I tell you,’ she said. ‘Don’t be afraid to fail, don’t be afraid to take risks, ask questions, ask stupid questions, don’t be afraid to trip, fall and don’t be afraid to get back up.’

At the end of the hour-long visit, Mrs Obama gave each of the girls a hug.

One pupil, Gabriele Watts, 15, said: ‘It was amazing. She can relate to us because she’s got children around the same age as us, and she comes from a similar background to us.’

All smiles: The meeting is part of Obama's effort to emphasise the importance of education


source:dailymail