Bathrobe Diplomacy:

No future monarch could have done a better job of winning the hearts and minds of his potential subjects, affirming a special relationship with the First Family of the United States or earning the affection of people around the globe than did His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge. Though he is not quite three years old, the young Prince thoroughly upstaged his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and very nearly pushed POTUS and FLOTUS out of the spotlight.

Prince George is one of the few future heads of state permitted to meet the Obamas in his robe and pajamas. Then again, he is also one of the few international figures who had to get special permission from his parents, William and Kate, to stay up 15 minutes past his bedtime to greet President and Mrs. Obama on their visit to Kensington Palace for an informal dinner!

Special dispensation to stay up late was granted so that Prince George might mount his rocking horse, a gift from the Obamas at his birth, and express his thanks for their thoughtfulness. That trusted stead, shown in the photographs, came complete with a pint-sized polo mallet that the Prince might begin learning his equestrian skills early and includes a saddle emblazoned with the Presidential Seal.

The young prince and Westacre Montessori School Nursery student is also one of the few heirs to a throne to have such a pronounced economic impact on his country as already to have had a marketing phenomenon named for him. The "Prince George EffectÓ describes the instantaneous attention and, often enough, the buying frenzy generated whenever the Prince displays any new fashion item in a public appearance. Indeed, the monogrammed white robe with blue gingham trim he wore to greet the Obamas, made by My 1st Years, sold out on the company's website within minutes after the first photos of Prince George with the Obamas appeared.

Following Prince George's bedtime, President and Mrs. Obama enjoyed an informal evening with Prince William and his wife Catherine as well as with Prince Harry, meeting together for the first time with the three young Royals as a group. Michelle Obama has worked closely with Catherine on children's mental health issues. She has also collaborated with Prince Harry on his Invictus Games, promoting athletic competitions between wounded warriors and providing assistance to all veterans and their families. The President has worked closely with both Prince William and Prince Harry in their efforts to bring an end to illegal trade in wildlife parts and protect irreplaceable species.

Prior to his session with Prince George, President Obama filled out his schedule with a luncheon with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle to celebrate her 90th birthday. The President presented a gift of an album displaying photos of the Queen's visits to the United States and described her as "an astounding person and a jewel to the world." Following the luncheon, Obama helicoptered back to London for meetings and a press conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron.