Bush, Queen Elizabeth toast US-British alliance

Washington, May 8: President George W Bush and Queen Elizabeth toasted the enduring Anglo-American friendship at a state dinner at the White House honouring the British monarch near the end of six-day US visit.

Only 132 guests were invited to dine with the queen and Prince Philip at the first white tie event hosted by Bush and his wife Laura.

Arriving at the White House in a black Chevrolet Suburban four-wheel drive vehicle, the royal couple was met by the president and first lady, who wore an aqua gown. The queen wore a white gown with a blue sash and a sparkling crown.

In toasts before dinner, Bush hailed the US-British alliance as a force for the ''common good.'' ''Together we are supporting young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Together we are confronting global challenges such as poverty and disease and terrorism,'' he said yesterday. ''We're confident that Anglo-American friendship will endure for centuries to come.'' The queen said today's trans-Atlantic leaders can learn from 20th-century century figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt.

''Whether in Iraq or Afghanistan, climate change or the eradication of poverty, the international community is grappling with problems certainly no less complex than those faced by our 20th century forebears,'' she said.

''Together with our friends in Europe and beyond we can continue to learn from the inspiration and vision of those earlier statesmen in ensuring that we meet these threats and resolve these problems.'' Former first lady Nancy Reagan, golfer Arnold Palmer, Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel winner and violinist Itzhak Perlman were among the guests at the dinner.

The royal couple's visit to America has included ceremonies marking the 400th anniversary of the British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and the Kentucky Derby.

Earlier they were treated to a formal arrival ceremony on the White House South Lawn, complete with a marching fife-and-drum corps.

Trumpets heralded the arrival of the dignitaries. The US Air Force Band played national anthems before 7,000 invited guests on a sunny spring day.

Bush noted the queen's long history of dealing with successive American governments, just barely stopping himself before dating her to 1776, the year the 13 British colonies declared their independence from Britain.

Elizabeth has occupied the British throne for 55 years and is 81.

''The American people are proud to welcome your majesty back to the United States, a nation you've come to know very well.

After all you've dined with 10 U.S. presidents. You've helped our nation celebrate its bicentennial in 17 -- in 1976,'' Bush said.

Bush looked at the queen sheepishly. She peered back at him from beneath her black and white hat.

''She gave me a look that only a mother could give a child,'' Bush said as the crowd burst into laughter.

Taking the podium, the queen applauded the closeness of US-British relations.

''It is the moment to take stock of our present friendship, rightly taking pleasure from its strengths while never taking these for granted,'' she said. ''And it is the time to look forward, jointly renewing our commitment to a more prosperous, safer and freer world.''

Reuters>