News Service from House Harris

UK: Royal protocol slides as Michelle Obama embraces Queen

LONDON, April 2 AAP - It was a move that earned former prime minister Paul Keating the nickname Lizard of Oz - putting a friendly arm around the Queen.

But for US first lady Michelle Obama, strict royal protocols about not touching her majesty went out the window when she met the Queen in London.

Mrs Obama's royal encounter began when she and her husband, US president Barack Obama, were presented to the Queen during a private audience at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

The Obamas swapped gifts with the Queen and Prince Philip, the Americans giving the royals an iPod in exchange for a silver framed photograph of the Queen and her husband.

America's first couple then stayed on for a drinks reception the Queen was hosting for the G20 leaders, who were in town for talks on solving the global financial crisis.

The Queen appeared to be quite taken with Michelle, happily chatting away as the invited guests enjoyed drinks in the Throne Room.

So taken in fact that her majesty spontaneously extended her regal right arm around the first lady's lower back as the pair apparently discussed their shoes and height differences.

Mrs Obama was quick to reciprocate the royal show of affection, gently resting her arm around the Queen's shoulders.

Pictures of the protocol breach were splashed in some British newspapers, with The Times noting: "Protocol dictates that no one should touch the Queen - as the Australian Paul Keating learnt to his cost - but she seemed comfortable with Michelle Obama's embrace at Buckingham Palace."

Keating was blasted by the British media when pictures emerged of him putting a friendly arm around the Queen to guide her through a function at Parliament House in Canberra in 1992.

He faced a torrent of criticism in the British press over his protocol breach and was branded "Lizard of Oz".

Now, though, while the British continue their love affair with the Obamas, anything goes.