A legacy of tireless, dignified public service

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama shake hands with Queen Elizabeth.

Revisiting President and Mrs. Obama’s moments with Queen Elizabeth II.

On September 8, 2022, the world marked the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In reflecting on the Queen, President Obama noted how she had made the role her own during a more than 70 year reign “defined by grace, elegance, and a tireless work ethic, defying the odds and expectations placed on women of her generation.”

Read President Obama’s full statement. (Opens in a new tab)

President Obama reflects on memories with Queen Elizabeth

The Queen’s example is a reminder of how impactful public service can be—an idea that is core to our work at the Obama Foundation and is carried forward by so many of the young leaders on the front lines of making change around the world.

In recognition of her life and legacy, take a look back at moments Queen Elizabeth shared with President and Mrs. Obama.

Mrs. Obama’s tribute to Queen Elizabeth

Shortly after taking office in 2009, President and Mrs. Obama were welcomed to Buckingham Palace by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Later, President Obama would reflect on the visit (Opens in a new tab), “As two Americans unaccustomed to palaces and pomp, we didn’t know what to expect. We shouldn’t have worried. The Queen and Prince Philip immediately put us at ease with their grace and generosity, turning a ceremonial occasion into something far more natural, even comfortable.”

In 2011, the Obamas returned to the United Kingdom, where the Queen hosted them for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace. The next night, the President and Mrs. Obama hosted a dinner for the Queen at Winfield House, the residence of the United States’ ambassador.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama stand with a man and woman with light skin tones as they look over documents on a burgundy table. They are in a room with red patterned walls and a lot of portrait paintings. — President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are escorted by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as they review items from the royal collection that pertain to America, in the Portrait Gallery at Buckingham Palace in London, England, May 24, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This portrait shows President Obama, First Lady Michelle, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Phillip
dressed in very formal attire smiling and posing toward the camera. — President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, arrive in the State Dining Room before the State Dinner at Buckingham Palace in London, England, May 24, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This picture shows President Obama and Queen Elizabeth II making a toast holding wine glasses
in the air. — President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host a dinner in honor of Queen Elizabeth II at Winfield House in London, England, May 25, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama talk with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, before they depart Winfield House in London, England, May 25, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

In April 2016, the Obamas made their final visit to the United Kingdom while in office, a trip that coincided with the Queen’s 90th birthday.

“ The Queen’s been a source of inspiration for me like so many people around the world. She is truly one of my favorite people.”
–President Obama, 2016

President Obama and Michelle Obama in navy blue business attire smile as they meet the Queen of England, an older woman with a light skin tone with a blue coat, and the King of England, an older man with a light skin tone with a tan coat — President Barack Obama in London, April 22, 2016. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama also joined other world leaders in celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee from February to June 2022. Take a look at his message that paid tribute to her leadership, years of service, and the alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom.