President Bush and Queen Elizabeth celebrated the long-lasting friendship between the United States and Britain during a state dinner at the White House. The dinner, which honored the British monarch at the end of her six-day visit to the US, was attended by 132 guests. This was the first white tie event hosted by President Bush and his wife Laura. The royal couple arrived at the White House in a black Chevrolet Suburban and were greeted by the president and first lady, who was wearing an aqua gown. Queen Elizabeth was dressed in a white gown with a blue sash and a sparkling crown. During the dinner, President Bush praised the US-British alliance as a positive force for the "common good." He stated that we are working together to help young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan and facing global challenges such as poverty, disease, and terrorism. He expressed confidence that the friendship between Anglo-American countries will last for centuries. The queen mentioned that current trans-Atlantic leaders can learn from past figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. She emphasized that the international community is dealing with complex issues like climate change, poverty, and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Accompanied by our friends in Europe and other regions, we can continue to draw inspiration and guidance from past leaders to address threats and solve problems. Guests at the dinner included Nancy Reagan, Arnold Palmer, Calvin Borel, and Itzhak Perlman. The royal couple's visit to the US has involved commemorating the 400th anniversary of the British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and attending the Kentucky Derby. They were also welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony at the White House, featuring a fife-and-drum corps and trumpets announcing the arrival of dignitaries. The US Air Force Band performed national anthems for 7,000 guests on a sunny spring day. Bush acknowledged the queen's extensive experience working with multiple American administrations, almost mistakenly dating her back to 1776, the year the 13 British colonies declared independence from Britain. Elizabeth has been reigning over Britain for 55 years and is currently 81 years old. Bush expressed pride in welcoming the queen back to the US, a country she is very familiar with, having dined with 10 US presidents. Bush thanked the queen for helping the nation celebrate its bicentennial in 1976. He recalled the queen giving him a motherly look as the crowd laughed. The queen then commended 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 they will always be there. She also emphasized the importance of looking ahead and reaffirming our dedication to creating a better world.