Barack Obama to make state visit to Britain in May

US president and his wife, Michelle, will arrive on 24 May for three days ahead of G8 summit in France

Barack Obama is to make a state visit to Britain in May after accepting an invitation from the Queen, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The US president and his wife, Michelle, will make a three-day trip ahead of the G8 summit of world leaders in France that he is expected to attend.

The announcement of the visit, from 24-26 May, was made simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic by the palace and the White House.

Downing Street said: "We are very pleased that this visit is taking place. It is a sign of the strong and enduring relationship between our two countries."

It will be the first state visit by a US leader since George Bush in November 2003. Bush was later a guest of the Queen at Windsor Castle in 2008, but it was not a full state occasion.

Obama was last in London for the G20 summit in 2009.

He and a delegation are expected to hold talks with the prime minister, David Cameron, on a range of issues.

The Obamas will stay at Buckingham Palace. A full ceremonial welcome and banquet will be held.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/17/barack-obama-state-visit-britain

Sounds like fun. I eagerly await my invite.