Wives of world leaders in London for the G-20 summit are making as much news as their powerful spouses with US First lady Michelle Obama creating a buzz with her dazzling dress, easy familiarity and her own schedule of events.

In the media, Michelle attracted as many column inches as President Barack Obama as the couple broke protocol and slipped into easy conversation with dignitaries, particularly during their visit to the Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Elizabeth.

Obama was the 12th US President to met the Queen.

Many people had travelled far to catch a glimpse of the Obama couple and waved to them as they reached the venue of a royal reception for G-20 leaders and their wives.

Michelle Obama and the Queen slipped their arms around each other as the visiting couple appeared relaxed in royal company. It is considered a breach of protocol to touch the Queen.

Observers were quick to point out that when the former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating put his arm around the Queen in 1992, he was branded the "Lizard of Oz". When his successor, John Howard, was accused of doing the same, a spokesman insisted: "We firmly deny that there was any contact whatsoever."

Obama gave the Queen an iPod containing a video of her visit to Virginia, Washington, in 2007. In return, he received a signed photograph of the royal couple. By the end of the evening, Michele and the Queen were standing side by side and appeared to be chatting about their height difference.

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