US First Lady Michelle Obama brings sparkle to London

Apr 1, 2009, 11:30 GMT

Wife of British the Prime Minister Sarah Brown (L) and wife of the US President, Michelle Obama (R) leave 10 Downing Street while the two leaders meet, London, Britain, on 01 April 2009. The meeting is in preparation for the G20 summit on 02 April, that will see heads of the top twenty economic powers gather in East London in quest for a solution to the global financial crisis and recession. EPA/DANIEL DEME

London - Michelle Obama brought style and glamour to London Wednesday as she kicked off a day of engagements culminating in a reception by Queen Elizabeth II in London later Wednesday.

US President Barack Obama and his wife were driven to Downing Street from the US ambassador's residence in the official presidential limousine, arriving at the steps of Number 10 in bright sunshine.

After pictures were taken, showing the US first couple relaxed and smiling, the US President and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown went inside for talks, while Michelle Obama and Sarah Brown left to visit a cancer care centre.

The US president's wife looked stunning in a pearls, a green pencil skirt and cream sparkly cardigan by J.Crew, described as a 'very ordinary' US designer by a fashion commentator.

On their 'charm offensive' in Europe, the US presidential couple were keenly aware that the 'right symbols' had to be set in the present subdued economic climate, said the commentator.

Sarah Brown, looked equally elegant in a navy blue dress. The two women first met during Brown's visit to Washington last month.

At Charing Cross hospital, they visited male and female cancer patients. The US First Lady, introducing herself simply as 'Michelle,' nodded as she listened to their stories.

The two women attended a 'Look Good, Feel Better' session for female patients, prompting Michelle Obama to refer to her 'wonderful' make up artist.

Michelle Obama was asked about the White House garden and mentioned that it was going to have a bee hive. 'We have a big lawn,' she told a woman patient, laughing.

Sarah Brown poured the tea as the two first ladies sat around a table with patients and staff, eating sponge cake with chocolate frosting.

'This is pretty amazing. It's an oasis. An oasis that is necessary for people who are struggling,' said Michelle Obama. 'It's a quiet place that makes people feel whole.'