President Bush and Queen Elizabeth celebrated the lasting friendship between the United States and Britain at a state dinner held at the White House. The event, which honored the British monarch during her six-day visit to the US, was attended by 132 guests. The royal couple arrived in a black Chevrolet Suburban and were greeted by President Bush and his wife Laura, who was dressed in an aqua gown. Queen Elizabeth wore a white gown with a blue sash and crown. During the dinner, Bush praised the alliance between the two countries as a positive influence for the greater good. He mentioned that they 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 America and the UK will last for many centuries. The queen stated that current leaders can take inspiration from historical figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. She also noted that today's global issues, like in Iraq or Afghanistan, climate change, and poverty, are just as complex as those faced by leaders in the 20th century. Former first lady Nancy Reagan, golfer Arnold Palmer, Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel, and violinist Itzhak Perlman were among the guests at the dinner, where it was emphasized that by collaborating with allies in Europe and beyond, we can draw inspiration from past leaders to address threats and solve problems. The royal couple's visit to America has included commemorations of the 400th anniversary of British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and attendance at the Kentucky Derby. They were welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony at the White House South Lawn, featuring 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 beautiful spring day. Bush acknowledged the queen's extensive interactions with various American administrations, almost attributing her presence back to 1776 when the American colonies declared independence from Britain. Elizabeth, who has been the British monarch for 55 years and is 81 years old, has dined with 10 US presidents. Bush expressed pride in welcoming her majesty back to the United States, a country she is very familiar with. Bush thanked the queen for her help in celebrating the nation's bicentennial in 1976. He noted that she looked at him in a motherly way, which elicited laughter from the crowd. The queen then 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.