Queen Elizabeth sat at the helm of Great Britain through 14 US presidents, but the first one she ever met face to face grew up in Independence, MO.
In 1951, Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor and the Duke of Edinburgh came to Washington for the first time — greeted by President Harry S. Truman.
“It certainly is a very great pleasure for me as the President of the United States to welcome you to the capitol of our country.” Truman said at the tarmac podium. “I think your visit will improve, if that’s possible, the cordial relations which exist between our two countries.”
Princess Elizabeth even helped lay a wreath on George Washington’s tomb — the very man who led the Revolutionary War to win independence from Britain.
Watch the full video documenting her visit.
Photos and video provided by Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.
