logo

Michelle Obama reveals why she hugged Queen Elizabeth & recalls the backlash she received

Mary Scott
Nov 16, 2018
01:37 P.M.

When Michelle Obama met the Queen of England for the first time, she did what most people criticized as taboo. Now, Michelle is clearing the air and explaining what led to the famous hug.

Advertisement

In her new book, “Becoming,” the former first lady of the United States recalled her first meeting with Queen Elizabeth in 2009, PEOPLE reports.

Advertisement

Michelle was pictured putting an arm around the monarch during a Buckingham Palace reception and at the time, had no idea of the magnitude of her actions. She confessed her ignorance in the book:

“I couldn’t have known it in the moment, but I was committing what would be deemed an epic faux pas. I’d touched the Queen of England, which I’d soon learn was apparently not done.”

Michelle, 54, was afraid the backlash trailing her actions would overshadow the purpose of her and her husband’s visit, but she believes the Queen “was okay with it.”

Advertisement

BEFORE THE HUG

Narrating the events that led up to the hug, Michelle revealed that it all started with something most people wouldn’t expect: their shoes.

“At some point toward the end of the party, I turned my head to find that Queen Elizabeth had surfaced at my elbow, the two of us suddenly alone together in the otherwise crowded room,” Michelle writes. “She was wearing a pair of pristine white gloves and appeared just as fresh as she’d been hours earlier when we first met. She smiled up at me.”

After the royal commented on Michelle’s height, the latter gave some credit to her Jimmy Choo shoes.

Advertisement

TWO TIRED LADIES

“These shoes are unpleasant, are they not?” Michelle recalled the Queen asking her. This was followed by a mutual confession of how much their shoes hurt:

“I confessed then to the Queen that my feet were hurting. She confessed that hers hurt, too. We looked at each other then with identical expressions, like, ‘When is all this standing around with world leaders going to finally wrap up?’ And with this, she busted out with a fully charming laugh.”

Advertisement

“Forget that she sometimes wore a diamond crown and that I’d flown to London on the presidential jet; we were just two tired ladies oppressed by our shoes,” Michelle continued. “I then did what’s instinctive to me anytime I feel connected to a new person, which is to express my feelings outwardly.”

Advertisement

CONTROVERSIAL REVELATIONS

Michelle’s memoir “Becoming,” was released yesterday November 13th, and contains her perspectives on a lot of issues. Besides opening up about her infertility issues and marriage counseling with Barack Obama, the former U.S. president, Michelle let it all out by declaring she will never forgive President Donald Trump for putting her family’s safety at risk by supporting the conspiracy that her husband was born in Kenya, and so wasn’t qualified to be president.

Trump responded to Michelle’s comments, accusing her husband of putting the entire nation at risk.

Advertisement

HER REACTION TO TRUMP'S ELECTION VICTORY

Meanwhile, Michelle also confessed that when the current president won the election, she just wanted “to block it all out and go to sleep;” she didn’t understand why many women would reject Hilary Clinton and vote for a “misogynist” instead.

Advertisement

FAIR WARNING

Michelle’s weighty revelations should come as no surprise. While revealing details of her book tour in September, the mom-of-two gave her Instagram followers a heads-up:

“I’m proud because it is candid, it is honest, it is totally and utterly me. I’m also a little frightened because it is so candid and honest and open but I can’t wait to share it with the world.”

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts
Lindsey Graham | Source: Getty Images

Donald Trump Reveals He Already Has Someone in Mind to Fill Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat — But Won't Say Who

July 13, 2026

Lindsey Graham | Source: Getty Images

Sen. Lindsey Graham Called His Scheduler Instead of 911 Before His Death, Saying 'I'm Having Chest Pains. I Need to Do Something'

July 15, 2026

Melania Trump | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump's Father Makes an Appearance at the FIFA World Cup Final — and He's Only 2 Years Older Than Her Husband — Photos

July 22, 2026

Lindsey Graham | Source: Getty Images

Timeline of Lindsey Graham’s Medical Emergency: From His Ukraine Trip to the 911 Call – Details

July 13, 2026

Donald and Melania Trump. | Source: Getty Images

Melania Trump at the 2026 World Cup Final: Her Outfit, the Online Reaction, and the One Detail Going Viral in the Stands – Photos

July 20, 2026

Linsdey Graham | Source: Getty Images

Lindsey Graham's Senate Seat Has a New Owner — And the Choice Is Already Making History

July 13, 2026

JD and Usha Vance | Source: Getty Images

Trump Shares First Photo of JD and Usha Vance's Newborn Son, Calling Him a 'Perfect Baby Boy' — Photos

July 21, 2026

Hunter Biden | Joe Biden | Source: Getty Images

Trump Calls Lindsey Graham 'One of the Greatest People' — but Others Who Knew Him Have a Very Different Farewell

July 13, 2026

Lindsey Graham | Source: Getty Images

Shortly Before He Passed Away, Lindsey Graham Made a Poignant Remark While He Was Feeling Unwell – Details

July 14, 2026

Donald Trump | Source: Getty Images

Donald Trump Pays Over $5.6 Million to Author Who Sued Him

July 15, 2026

Donald Trump, JD Vance, Scott Bessent, Eric Trump, and Lara Trump | Source: Getty Images

Lindsey Graham's Funeral: JD Vance's Casket Moment Catches Eyes — and His Niece's Words Leave No Dry Eye in the Cathedral

July 29, 2026