London (ANTARA News/AFP) - Prince William and his new wife Catherine will meet President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at Buckingham Palace Tuesday as the US leader makes a state visit to Britain, the palace said.

Announcing the visit using the royal couple`s official titles, a spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that President and Mrs Obama will meet the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shortly after their arrival at Buckingham Palace today."

William and Catherine have just returned home from their honeymoon in the Seychelles, after a wedding at Westminster Abbey on April 29 watched by one million people on the streets of London and two billion TV viewers worldwide.

Obama was not invited to the event because William is not heir to the throne -- he is second in line after his father, Prince Charles -- and the meeting will be the president`s first chance to congratulate the prince in person.

The two couples are due to meet in the lavish 1844 room at Buckingham Palace for about 10 minutes just before noon, before the formal ceremonial welcome for the Obamas in the palace garden.

Obama and his wife are staying at the palace as guests of Queen Elizabeth II, William`s grandmother, during a three-day state visit to Britain.

The trip started a day early when the Obamas flew in late Monday from a trip to Dublin to avoid the volcanic ash cloud.
(Uu.G003/B002)

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