United States President Barack Obama hosted the 14th and final formal State Arrival Ceremony and State Dinner on October 18. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini were welcomed to the White House with a grand reception.
To mark this momentous occasion, Chief White House photographer decided to share glimpses from some of the other state dinners hosted by the Obama administration over the last eight years.
He says, “To mark the occasion, I’ve selected some photographs from these visits. In my edit, I focused mostly on the formal and behind-the-scenes situations from the ceremony and dinner rather than on the substantive meetings that also take place.”
Take a look at some of the best moments.
>> India -- November 24, 2009
US First Lady Michelle Obama escorts Gursharan Kaur, as President Barack Obama escorts Kaur’s husband, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India, at the conclusion of the State Arrival ceremony in the East Room of the White House, November 24, 2009. The Prime Minister’s visit is the first official State Visit hosted by President Obama. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
The US President and First Lady wait for Prime Minister Singh’s motorcade to depart at the conclusion of the first official state dinner for the Obama administration. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
>> Mexico -- May 19, 2010
US President Obama, with the First Lady, adjusts his tie in the Yellow Oval Room, following a private reception prior to a State Dinner in honour of President Felipe Calderón of Mexico and his wife, Margarita Zavala, May 19, 2010. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
President Obama, Mrs. Obama, President Calderón and Mrs Zavala ride a trolley to the State Dinner tent on the South Lawn. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
>> China -- January 19, 2011
Residence staff prepare for the State Dinner for President Hu Jintao of China in the Old Family Dining Room during the China State Visit, January 19, 2011. Photograph: Samantha Appleton/Official White House Photo
President Obama, President Hu, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and Vice President Joe Biden, listen to former President Jimmy Carter during a reception in the Yellow Oval Room. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
The President and First Lady introduce President Hu to daughters Sasha and Malia before the start of the State Dinner performance in the East Room. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
>> France -- February 11, 2014
A member of the colour guard holds a French flag as US President Obama listens to remarks by President François Hollande of France during the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn, February 11, 2014. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
US President Obama helps the First Lady off the stage after her remarks at the State Dinner for President Hollande. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
>> Pope Francis -- September 23, 2015
US President Obama, the First Lady, daughters Sasha and Malia, Marian Robinson, Vice President Biden and Dr Jill Biden greet Pope Francis on his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, September 22, 2015. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
US President Obama, Pope Francis and the First Lady depart the State Arrival Ceremony. Photograph: David Lienemann/Official White House Photo
The President and Pope Francis conclude their meeting in the Oval Office. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
>> Canada -- March 10, 2016
US President Obama and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada take the stage as the First Lady and Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau stand together during the State Arrival ceremony on the South Lawn, March 10, 2016. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Grégoire-Trudeau participate with students during a program to raise awareness for global girls’ education, at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. Photograph: Amanda Lucidon/Official White House Photo
The President shows Prime Minister Trudeau the Lincoln Bed Room of the White House prior to the State Dinner. Photograph: Pete Souza/Official White House Photo
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