Michelle Obama: The New Princess Diana?

The past week has seen no shortage of excitement in one of the great metropolises of the world, my city, London. With the eyes of the world upon the Capital for the G20 meeting, the arrival of the man of the moment, Barack Obama, the mass protests within the City square mile and not to mention England’s five out of five win under manager Fabio Capello at Wembley, one was not at loss for a decent conversation topic.

It was however, the arrival of the other Obama which took my interest. With her husband busy trying to save the world with the rest of the leaders, she was also doing her own kind of saving.

With the UK press already scrupulously reporting on her elegant outfits, her jampacked itinerary, and her growing fan base, it had seemed that for a brief moment the nation had found in her that glimmer of light, warmth and optimism which had been absent from these Isles since Princess Diana.

Amongst the continuous economic gloom, the violent riots and the impending uncertainty of what has come to be everyday life here in London, Michelle Obama’s visit had provided us all with a brief respite from the mundane and reintroduced, through her public persona, a touch of glamour and grace in our lives. It is not therefore surprising that the UK press lapped her up like sweet milk. So much so, that the First Lady’s first visit to London can be summed up to be a resounding success.

Like Diana, Michelle Obama does not care too much for convention. During her impromptu visit to Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in North London, she casually, yet gracefully, walked on stage, high fiving the kids as she passed. Much to the distress of her security team after her speech, she took it upon herself to hug a few of the seated children of the front row. To the girl’s complete amazement and awe, this stirred a fit of frenzy amongst the already emotionally charged and Obama was almost swallowed by the rabble. Her warm, tactile nature was definitely Princess of Wales-esque. A woman of the people.

An impassioned and accomplished public speaker her speech to the young girls was inspirational. Referring to them as precious jewels of the future, Obama showed what was possible if they stayed in school and worked hard. This was a breath of fresh air. In our celebrity obsessed society, where young girls are bombarded with lure of easy and instant money and fame as exemplified by the likes of Jordan and Jodie Marsh, Obama offered an alternative. She showed a way far removed from leaked sex tapes, kiss and tell tabloid deals and alcohol fuelled late night revelings which plaques the minds of our young girls today. She spoke of quiet strength and dignity, and her quiet strength and dignity spoke volumes.