President Bush and Queen Elizabeth celebrated the enduring friendship between the United States and Britain at a state dinner held at the White House. The dinner, honoring the British monarch during her six-day visit to the US, was attended by only 132 guests. Bush and his wife Laura hosted the first white tie event for the queen and Prince Philip. The royal couple arrived at the White House in a black Chevrolet Suburban, where they were greeted by the president and first lady. Queen Elizabeth wore a white gown with a blue sash and crown, while Laura Bush wore an aqua gown. During the dinner, Bush praised the US-British alliance as a positive influence for the "common good." He stated that we are assisting young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan and working together to address global issues like poverty, disease, and terrorism. He is optimistic that the friendship between Britain and America will last for generations. The queen mentioned that current leaders can take inspiration from figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. She pointed out that today's challenges, such as climate change and poverty, are just as complex as those faced in the 20th century. Nancy Reagan, Arnold Palmer, Calvin Borel, and Itzhak Perlman were among the guests at the dinner, where they discussed the importance of learning from past leaders to address current threats and issues. The royal couple's visit to America included ceremonies commemorating the 400th anniversary of the British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and the Kentucky Derby. They were also welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony at the White House South Lawn, which included a marching fife-and-drum corps and trumpets announcing the arrival of dignitaries. The US Air Force Band performed national anthems for 7,000 invited guests on a sunny spring day. Bush acknowledged the queen's extensive experience with various American administrations, nearly dating her back to 1776 when the 13 British colonies declared independence. Elizabeth, who has been on the British throne for 55 years and is 81, has dined with 10 US presidents during her visits to the United States. Bush expressed his gratitude for the queen's help in celebrating the nation's bicentennial in 1976. He shared a humorous moment with the queen, who looked at him in a maternal way, before she praised the strong relationship between the US and Britain. She stated that now is the time to evaluate our current friendship, appreciating its strengths without assuming them, and to also focus on the future by reaffirming our dedication to a better world.