The Royal Ride: How Queen Elizabeth II's Offer Sparked a Diplomatic Clash with the Secret Service
SHOCKING SECURITY BREACH: Obama's Jaw-Dropping Moment with Queen Elizabeth II
In a bombshell revelation, royal biographer Robert Hardman has let slip that former US President Barack Obama broke protocol in a major way during his presidency - and it wasn't for just anyone! According to Hardman, who shared the extraordinary story on the first episode of the latest season of The Scholarly Note's Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things podcast (hosted by Kate Williams), Obama only ever compromised security for one person: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
As part of a special episode exploring the fascinating world of diplomatic encounters between British royalty and US presidents, Hardman dished out the juicy details about Obama's unprecedented visit to Britain in 2016. It seems that the then-President timed his trip to coincide with the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations, and he wanted to be the first leader to wish her a happy birthday.
In a move that would make even the most seasoned diplomat raise an eyebrow, the Palace suggested that Obama and his wife Michelle could simply "pop out" of their helicopter at Windsor Castle and collect a Range Rover driven by Prince Philip. But the Secret Service had other ideas - and what ensued was a full-blown security row between the Americans and the British.
According to Hardman's sources, the US staff involved in organizing the trip described the situation as a "very serious row" over who would drive Obama around and which car they would use. The tension was so high that it had to be resolved by Obama himself - who, in a heartwarming display of goodwill, decided to let protocol take a backseat.
"We spoke to the US staff involved in organizing the trip," Hardman revealed on the podcast. "They said there was a huge argument about which car they would go in and who would drive it. This went all the way up to Obama himself."
And so, in a move that would be remembered for generations to come, Obama flew into Windsor Castle in his helicopter, only to step out of it and into Prince Philip's waiting Range Rover. As the Queen herself casually put it: "I'm sure there's some rule about who sits where, but sit wherever you like."
The rest, as they say, is history! The Obamas were driven around the Palace grounds in a very un-presidential manner, with Michelle sitting up front alongside Prince Philip and Obama himself in the back seat. It was, by all accounts, a cordial and friendly encounter - and one that reflected the deep rapport that had developed between the Obamas and the Royal Family over their years of meetings.
As for Trump's upcoming state visit to Britain, royal biographer Hardman believes that it will be equally warm and welcoming. After all, as he noted on the podcast, Trump and King Charles have already met several times - and "get on very well." Their most recent meeting took place at the 2024 reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where Trump was spotted chatting with Prince William.
"It's still a huge deal for both sides," Hardman said, hinting that there will be an element of "nice to see you again, Mr President" - but also acknowledging that there is more to these royal encounters than meets the eye.
So, what can we take away from this fascinating tale? For starters, it's clear that Obama was willing to bend over backwards (or rather, in a Range Rover) for his hosts - and that this gesture of goodwill will be remembered for years to come. And as for Trump's upcoming visit? Well, let's just say that protocol is about to take center stage once again.
To listen or watch the special episode in full, head over to The Scholarly Note's Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things on YouTube or your preferred podcast platform!
