President Bush and Queen Elizabeth celebrated the long-lasting friendship between England and America during a state dinner at the White House. The dinner, in honor of the British monarch at the end of 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 a crown, while Laura Bush wore an aqua gown. During the toasts before dinner, 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, as well as facing global issues like poverty, disease, and terrorism. He expressed belief that the friendship between the UK and the US will continue for many years. The queen mentioned that current leaders can take inspiration from historical figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, emphasizing that the challenges we face today are just as complex as those from the past. Former first lady Nancy Reagan, golfer Arnold Palmer, Kentucky Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel winner, and violinist Itzhak Perlman were in attendance at the dinner, along with friends from Europe and beyond. The royal couple's visit to America has involved commemorating the 400th anniversary of the British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, as well as attending the Kentucky Derby. The guests were welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony on the White House South Lawn, which included a marching fife-and-drum corps and trumpets announcing the arrival of the dignitaries. The message conveyed was the importance of learning from past leaders to address current threats and challenges. The US Air Force Band performed national anthems for 7,000 invited guests on a beautiful spring day. Bush acknowledged the queen's extensive experience working with various American administrations, almost mentioning her connection to 1776, the year the 13 colonies declared independence from Britain. Elizabeth has reigned over Britain for 55 years and is currently 81 years old. "The American people are honored to have your majesty return to the United States, a country you are very familiar with. You have dined with 10 US presidents." Bush thanked the queen for her help in celebrating the nation's bicentennial in 1976. He looked at her with a sheepish expression, and she responded by giving him a motherly look from beneath her black and white hat. This caused the crowd to burst into laughter. When the queen took the podium, she praised the strong relationship between the US and Britain. She stated that now is the time to assess 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 and safer world together.