President Bush and Queen Elizabeth celebrated the lasting friendship between the United States and Britain at a state dinner held at the White House on Monday night. The event was in honor of the British monarch during the final days of her six-day visit to the US. Only 132 guests were invited to join the queen and Prince Philip at the formal dinner, which was the first white tie event hosted by Bush and his wife Laura. The royal couple arrived at the White House in a black Chevrolet Suburban four-wheel drive vehicle and were greeted by the president and first lady, who was wearing an aqua gown. The queen was dressed in a white gown with a blue sash and a sparkling crown. During the toasts before dinner, Bush praised the US-British alliance as a powerful force for the greater good. He stated that we are working together to help young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as facing global issues like poverty, disease, and terrorism. He expressed belief that the friendship between Anglo-American countries will last for many years. The queen mentioned that current leaders can take lessons from figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. She pointed out that the challenges faced today, such as in Iraq or Afghanistan, climate change, or poverty eradication, are just as complex as those faced by leaders in the 20th century. "By collaborating with our allies in Europe and other regions, we can continue to draw inspiration from the past leaders and work together to address current threats and challenges. Guests at the dinner included Nancy Reagan, Arnold Palmer, Calvin Borel, and Itzhak Perlman. The royal couple's visit to America has featured events commemorating the 400th anniversary of the British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and the Kentucky Derby. They were welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony at the White House, accompanied by a fife-and-drum corps and trumpets announcing the dignitaries' arrival." The US Air Force Band performed national anthems in front of 7,000 invited guests on a pleasant spring day. Bush acknowledged the queen's extensive experience in dealing with numerous American administrations, almost mentioning her connection to 1776, the year when the 13 British colonies declared independence from Britain. Elizabeth, who has been reigning over Britain for 55 years and is 81 years old, was welcomed back to the United States with pride by the American people. It was noted that she has dined with 10 US presidents. In 1976, you assisted our country in commemorating its bicentennial," Bush mentioned. Bush glanced at the queen with a shy expression, while she looked back at him from under her black and white hat. "She gave me a look that only a mother could give a child," Bush shared as the audience erupted into laughter. Approaching the podium, the queen praised the strong bond between the United States and Britain. She stated that now is the time to assess our current friendship, appreciating its strengths without assuming them, and to also focus on the future by recommitting to a better world together.