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Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” has officially hit bookshelves as of Tuesday, offering readers a glimpse into her life before, during and after the White House.
Throughout her historic tenure as first lady, Obama has been a powerful advocate for American girls and women. She’s jumpstarted various programs around the US such as Let’s Move!, Reach Higher Initiative, and Let Girls Learn, and stood by husband Barack through two harrowing presidential elections, all while raising two daughters and defying critics along the way.
Superhero or #bosslady, it’s all the same for Obama. But there’s certainly one struggle that humbles the former first lady. And it’s definitely a struggle that resonates with most of us.
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Michelle Obama through the years
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A photo of Michelle with her father, Fraser Robinson III, Marian, her mother and her brother Craig Robinson.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Michelle Obama is shown in a photo from her grade school years. She attended public schools in Chicago and lived on the South Side, where her own daughters were eventually born.
Photo Credit: Obama for America
A 1985 Princeton graduate, Michelle Obama studied sociology and African American studies.
Photo Credit: Obama for America
Michelle Obama attended Harvard Law School soon after graduating from Princeton. After earning her graduate degree she began working for a corporate law firm where she met Barack Obama.
Photo Credit: Harvard Law School
Michelle and Barack Obama in 1989 on their first trip to Hawaii for Christmas.
Photo Credit: Obama for America
Michelle and Barack Obama on their wedding day on October 3, 1992.
Photo Credit: Obama for America
Barack and Michelle Obama at dinner with their daughter Malia, then 2-years-old, in 2000.
Photo Credit: Obama for America
Michelle and Barack Obama with their daughters Malia and Sasha at Sasha’s christening.
Photo Credit: Obama for America
Democratic candidate for the United States Senate in Illinois, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama acknowledge the crowd at the Democratic National Convention at the Fleet Center in Boston, Massachusetts, Tuesday, July 27, 2004.
Photo Credit: J Rogash, WireImage
Candidate for the U.S. Senate Barack Obama (D-IL) sits with Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia in a hotel room as they wait for election returns to come in November 2, 2004 in Chicago, Illinois.
Photo Credit: Scott Olson, Getty Images
Senator Barack Obama and Michelle Obama arrive at the 36th Annual NAACP Image Awards in March 2005.
Photo Credit: Albert Ortega, Getty Images
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), his daughters Sasha and Malia and his wife Michelle wave to a crowd gathered on the lawn of the old State Capital Building February 10, 2007 in Springfield, Illinois. Obama announced to the crowd that he would seek the Democratic nomination for President.
Photo Credit: Scott Olson, Getty Images
Michelle Obama campaigns on behalf of her husband, Democratic presidential hopeful and US Senator Barack Obama, D-IL, 22 June 2007 in Sioux City, Iowa. The garden party event was part of her first campaign swing through western Iowa.
Photo Credit: Charles Ommanney, Getty Images
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) is hugged by his wife Michelle Obama before his speech at a primary night rally in the gymnasium at the Nashua South High School on January 8, 2008 in Nashua, New Hampshire. Obama finished a projected 2nd place behind Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) in the nation’s first democratic primary
Photo Credit: Win McNamee, Getty Images
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) (L) and his wife Michelle Obama backstage before speaking during a rally at the North Carolina State University arena May 6, 2008 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Obama won the North Carolina primary while his opponent Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) held an early lead in Indiana.
Photo Credit: Charles Ommanney, Getty Images
Democratic presidential hopeful U.S Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) (D-IL) , his wife Michelle Obama stand together backstage at a rally near the Iowa state capitol building May 20, 2008 in Des Moines, Iowa. Oregon and Kentucky held their Democratic primaries today, but Obama decided to attend a rally in the state where he won his first primary in January.
Photo Credit: Charles Ommanney, Getty Images
Sasha Obama yawns during her father Barack Obama’s speech as Michelle Obama holds her head on day four of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at Invesco Field at Mile High August 28, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. U.S. Sen.
Photo Credit: Joe Raedle, Getty Images
First lady Michelle Obama claps as her husband, US President Barack Obama, addresses the crowd at their first Inaugural Ball, the Neighborhood Ball on January 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. President Obama is hosting ten Inaugural Balls this eveing. Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States today, becoming the first African-American to be elected President of the US.
Photo Credit: Win McNamee, Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama makes opening remarks as she and U.S. President Barack Obama host an evening of celebration in honor of musician Stevie Wonder’s receipt of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in the East Room of the White House February 25, 2009 in Washington, DC.
Photo Credit: Ron Sachs-Pool, Getty Images
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama listens as she takes part in an awards ceremony to announce this year’s recipients of the Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage at the State Department March 11, 2009 in Washington, DC. The awards were given to eight women from around the world who have shown leadership while struggling for social justice and human rights.
Photo Credit: Win McNamee, Getty Images
In this handout provide by the White House, U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama (L) meets with the First Lady of France Carla Bruni-Sarkozy at the Palais Rohan on April 3, 2009 in Strasbourg, France. The first lady’s husband, President Obama, is serving as the 44th President of the U.S. and the first African-American to be elected to the office of President in the history of the United States.
Photo Credit: Chuck Kennedy, White House via Getty Images
First lady Michelle Obama, along with congressional spouses and volunteers, fills plastic bags with non-perishable food items for distribution at the Capitol Area Food Bank for Feeding America on April 29, 2009 in Washington , D.C.
Photo Credit: Paul Morigi, Getty Images for Sunshine Sachs & Associates
Oprah Winfrey and First Lady Michelle Obama attends the Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World Gala at Rose Hall – Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 5, 2009 in New York City.
Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur, WireImage for Time Inc
US First Lady Michelle Obama listens to the national anthen at the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner on May 9, 2009 at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington.
Photo Credit: MANDEL NGAN, AFP, Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama works in the garden harvesting ge on the South Lawn of the White House on October 29, 2009 in Washington, DC. First Lady Michelle Obama invited local school children to help with the fall vegetable harvest in the garden at the White House.
Photo Credit: Mark Wilson, Getty Images
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet parents, trick-or-treaters and local school children at the north portico of the White House during a Halloween celebration on October 31, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Obamas are celebrating their first Halloween in the White House by inviting students and military families over for the holiday.
Photo Credit: Kristoffer Tripplaar-Pool, Getty Images
First lady Michelle Obama smiles from behind bullet proof glass on the balcony of the Grand Hotel after waving to the crowds who had gathered outside for the traditional torchlight procession on December 10, 2009 in Oslo, Norway. Obama today accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, saying he is humbled by the award and receives it with an ‘acute sense’ of the cost of war. Photographer:
Photo Credit: Chris Jackson, Getty Images
US First Lady Michelle Obama, alongside members of the 2009 National Championship Pee-Wee football team, the Watkins Hornets, speaks about her initiative, “Let’s Move,” a campaign to help combat childhood obesity, during an event in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, February 9, 2010.
Photo Credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama plays soccer with “Sportacus” an Iceland TV Series character during a “Let’s Move” campaign with a free soccer clinic sponsored by the U.S. Soccer Foundation in Washington, DC on March 5, 2010. The first lady supports the effort to fight child obesity in the U.S. The Soccer Foundation will partner up with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and tour 25 US cities providing free soccer clinics and health clinics.
Photo Credit: Linda Davidson, The Washington Post via Getty Images
US First Lady Michelle Obama (R) poses with daughter Malia during the Annual Easter Egg Roll on April 5, 2010 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC. The first White House Easter Egg Roll took place in 1878, when president Rutherford Hayes invited local children to roll eggs on the South Lawn.The egg roll has been held at the White House every year apart from the dark days of World War I and World War II.
Photo Credit: TIM SLOAN, AFP, Getty Images
US First Lady Michelle Obama walks out of the plane upon arrival at the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, on April 13, 2010. Obama was in Mexico in a three-day official visit.
Photo Credit: LUIS ACOSTA, AFP, Getty Images
US First Lady Michelle Obama sings and dances with children during her visit to the “7 de Enero” primary public school in Mexico City on April 14, 2010. Mrs.Obama was in Mexico for a three-day visit
Photo Credit: OMAR TORRES, AFP, Getty Images
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama await the arrival of the Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Mrs. Margarita Zavala to this evenings State Dinner at the White House. Photos taken on May 19, 2010 in Washington, DC.
Photo Credit: Marvin Joseph, The Washington Post via Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama invites Mexico’s First Lady Margarita Zavala to the join her at the New Hampshire Estates Elementary School in Silver Spring , Maryland. The school was awarded the USDAÕs Healthier US School Challenge Silver Award in 2009 and serves more than 400 Pre-K, Head Start, first and second grade students, many who come from Central America, South America, and other countries. The physical education program stresses cooperative games and ways to maintain health, and Head Start students eat “family style” lunches which build on social skills and respect for others. New Hampshire Estates also has a Mexican connection because they are partnered with a school in Mexico as part of the Monarch Butterfly Sister School Program. Photos taken on May 19, 2010 in Washington, DC.
Photo Credit: Marvin Joseph, The Washington Post via Getty Images
US First Lady Michelle Obama stands alongside Svetlana Medvedeva (not pictured), wife of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, following a performance titled “Artistic Interludes” in their honor at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, June 24, 2010.
Photo Credit: SAUL LOEB, AFP, Getty Images
United States President Barack Obama with First Lady Michelle Obama walk out to speak at a Coast Guard base August 14, 2010 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The First Family is visiting the area to help promote tourism and check up on cleanup efforts from the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon Oil spill.
Photo Credit: Dan Anderson-Pool, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama puts his arm around First Lady Michelle Obama during a round of mini golf at Pirate’s Island Golf August 14, 2010 in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Photo Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
US First Lady Michelle Obama leaves after delivering remarks on the “Let’s Move! initiative and its goal of solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation” during the 2010 Hispanic Heritage Month events of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washingtion, DC, on September 14, 2010. AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad
Photo Credit: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP, Getty Images
First lady Michelle Obama greets the crowd at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 33rd Annual Awards Gala at the Washington Convention Center September 15, 2010 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama spoke at the event that Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and actress Eva Longoria Parker were also scheduled to attend.
Photo Credit: Olivier Douliery-Pool, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive at the annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards dinner in Washington September 18, 2010.
Photo Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM, AFP, Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama packs and give bags of food to area residents ahead of the Thanksgiving Day holiday at Martha’s Table on November 24, 2010 in Washington, DC. The Obama family delivered turkeys and bags of food to needy families at Martha’s Table, a 30-year-old non-profit that helps poor children, youth and families with food and clothing.
Photo Credit: Leslie E. Kossoff-Pool, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama and US First Lady Michelle Obama arrive for the memorial event, “Together We Thrive: Tucson and America” at the McKale Memorial Center in Tucson, Arizona, on January 12, 2011. Obama is leading a tribute service for the six people who were killed and the 14 wounded in the assassination attempt on congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was fighting for her life in hospital.
Photo Credit: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama, along with others, sings “Happy Birthday” to First Lady Michelle Obama as their daughters Malia and Sasha look on as they arrive to take part in a community service project at Stuart Hobson Middle School in celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. day of service in Washington, DC, on January 17, 2011.
Photo Credit: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP, Getty Images
US First Lady Michelle Obama speaks as she joins business leaders from Walmart, an American public multinational corporation that runs a chain of large discount department stores and a chain of warehouse stores, for an announcement impacting food formulation, availability and affordability in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2011.
Photo Credit: MANDEL NGAN, AFP, Getty Images
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama (L) welcome Chinese President Hu Jintao for a State dinner at the White House January 19, 2011 in Washington, DC. Obama and Hu met in the Oval Office earlier in the day.
Photo Credit: Mark Wilson, Getty Images
Michelle Obama appears on NBC News’ “Today” show in February 2011.
Photo Credit: Peter Kramer, NBC, NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shares a laugh with first lady Michelle Obama during the ceremony for the International Women of Courage Awards at the U.S. Department of State March 8, 2011 in Washington, DC. The award were given on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s’ Day to 10 women recognized for their “courage and leadership as they fight for social justice, human rights and the advancement of women.”
Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive on stage at the annual White House Correspondent’s Association Gala at the Washington Hilton hotel April 30, 2011 in Washington, DC.
Photo Credit: Martin H. Simon-Pool, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama leave after a tour of Westminster Abbey in central London, on May 24, 2011. US President Barack Obama Tuesday basked in the lavish royal pageantry of a state visit to Britain, given an extra dash of glamour by a brief encounter with Prince William and his new bride Catherine. The president and his wife Michelle were welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II and a 41-gun salute in the gardens of Buckingham Palace at the start of a two-day visit that will mix pomp with serious diplomacy.
Photo Credit: CARL COURT, AFP, Getty Images
US First Lady Michelle Obama (R) meets Catherine, the wife of Britain’s Prince William, at Buckingham Palace, in central London, on May 24, 2011. US President Barack Obama Tuesday basked in the lavish royal pageantry of a state visit to Britain, given an extra dash of glamour by a brief encounter with Prince William and his bride Catherine. But the 24-hour demands that follow a US president everywhere shadowed the London pomp, as Obama took time out to say he was “heartbroken” at the toll of vicious tornados which ripped across the US midwest, killing 116 people
Photo Credit: TOBY MELVILLE, AFP, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama poses with US First Lady Michelle Obama in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace ahead of a State Banquet on May 24, 2011 in London, England. The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, and his wife Michelle were in the UK for a two day State Visit at the invitation of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Photo Credit: AFP, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wait to greet Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, for a reciprocal dinner at the Winfield House in London, on May 25, 2011. Obama and his wife Michelle enjoyed a regal welcome from Queen Elizabeth II, who has met every US president but one since the 1950s. Obama’s visit, the second stop on a European tour, comes as Britain seeks to prove its staying power despite fading military might and Washington looks to retool its decades-old alliance with Europe as a catalyst for global action.
Photo Credit: JEWEL SAMAD, AFP, Getty Images
U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama and Hector Pieterson’s sister Antoinette Sithole place a bouquet of flowers at the Hector Pieterson memorial site on June 22, 2011 in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. The First Lady, along with her daughters and mother, will be traveling in Africa from June 21 to the 26.
Photo Credit: Foto24, Gallo Images, Getty Images
U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk from the Truman Balcony as they go to greets members of the crowd as he welcomes members of the White House staff and armed servicemen and women at an Independence Day barbeque on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2011 in Washington, D.C. The Obamas hosted the barbeque for members of the armed services and White House staff and their families.
Photo Credit: Kevin Dietsch-Pool, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama make their way to board Air Force One before departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, on September 11, 2011. The Obamas were in New York City to attend ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Photo Credit: MANDEL NGAN, AFP, Getty Images
U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attend the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 34th Annual Awards Gala at the Washington Convention Center on September 14, 2011 in Washington, DC. Obama spoke about the $447 billion package of tax cuts as well as public spending and new jobs plan.
Photo Credit: Olivier Douliery-Pool, Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama heads to the stage to talk to students and teachers at Annandale High School in Annandale, Virginia on October 13, 2011. As part of the Administration’s activities to welcome the President and First Lady of the Republic of Korea, and Mrs. Obama’s tradition of extending the reach of the State Visit beyond the gates of the White House, Mrs. Obama invites the Republic of Korea’s First Lady Kim Yoon-ok to Annandale High School in Virginia. Annandale is home to one of the largest Korean-American communities in the Washington area. Annandale High School’s 2,500 students derive from nearly 90 countries and speak over 50 languages. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program and is known for its musical and theater programs.
Photo Credit: Marvin Joseph, The Washington Post via Getty Images
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle wait for South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok at the North Portico of the White House in Washington, DC, October 13, 2011.
Photo Credit: JIM WATSON, AFP, Getty Images
US President Barack Obama and wife Michelle wait for leaders to arrive for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit leaders’ dinner in Honolulu, Hawaii, on November 12, 2011. The United States is hosting this year’s APEC forum for the first time since 1993, with leaders from the 21 member economies convening on the island of Oahu on November 12-13.
Photo Credit: JIM WATSON, AFP, Getty Images
First lady of the United States Michelle Obama attends WebMD town hall discussion at YMCA on February 10, 2012 in Homestead, Florida.
Photo Credit: Vallery Jean, FilmMagic
First Lady Michelle Obama joins White House chef Sam Kass at Kleberg-Rylie Recreation Center on February 10, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. Six Members of the tv series ‘Top Chef’ competed with members of the Dallas Cowboys football team in a healthy cooking competition.
Photo Credit: Mike Fuentes, Getty Images
US First Lady Michelle Obama awaits the arrival of British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha Cameron, prior to a State Dinner as part of an official visit on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, DC, March 14, 2012.
Photo Credit: SAUL LOEB, AFP, Getty Images
Singer Taylor Swift and First Lady Michelle Obama at Nickelodeon’s 25th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards held at Galen Center on March 31, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.
Photo Credit: Charley Gallay, KCA2012, Getty Images for KCA
First lady Michelle Obama arrives to the 2012 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner held at the Washington Hilton on April 28, 2012 in Washington, DC.
Photo Credit: Kristoffer Tripplaar-Pool, Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama arrives on August 13, 2012 to the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Photo Credit: NBCUniversal, Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to supporters at the War Memorial Auditorium on August 22, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Photo Credit: Larry Marano, WireImage
First lady Michelle Obama claps after she exits the stage after speaking during day one of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 4, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The DNC that will run through September 7, will nominate U.S. President Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate.
Photo Credit: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images
US. First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at Broward College on October 22, 2012 in Davie, Florida.
Photo Credit: Vallery Jean, FilmMagic
U.S. President Barack Obama stands on stage with first lady Michelle Obama after his victory speech on election night at McCormick Place November 6, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama won reelection against Republican candidate, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
Photo Credit: Scott Olson, Getty Images
First lady Michelle Obama stands on stage during an awards ceremony for the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities in the East Room at the White House on November 19, 2012 in Washington, DC. The first lady talked about the importance of afterschool and out of school arts and humanities education and presented awards recognizing programs across the country that benefit underserved youth.
Photo Credit: Mark Wilson, Getty Images
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama (C) attend the Kennedy Center Honors at the Kennedy Center on December 2, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Honors recognized seven individuals – Buddy Guy, Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Natalia Makarova, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant – for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
Photo Credit: Brendan Hoffman, Getty Images
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama gestures as she meets a group of pregnant women during a visit at the U.S. Army Garrison at Vicenza, northern Italy, June 19, 2015. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama arrives at Stansted Airport, southern England June 15, 2015. REUTERS/Neil Hall
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama (2nd L) stand for a portrait with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe at a State Dinner in their honor at the White House in Washington, April 28, 2015. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wave from the Truman Balcony with their wives, Michelle Obama (2ndL) and Akie Abe, during an official arrival ceremony for the Abes on the White House South Lawn in Washington, April 28, 2015. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama waves as she arrives at Siem Reap International Airport in Siem Reap March 20, 2015. Obama is on a visit to Cambodia to promote Let Girls Learn, a worldwide initiative that aims to help adolescent girls attend school. Obama, while in Cambodia, and Bun Rany, the First Lady of Cambodia, will meet with high school students and hear directly how they benefit from community-led programs like the Peace Corps, according to the White House. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (L) meets with Akie Abe, wife of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, before an event discussing education for girls at the Iikura Guest House in Tokyo March 19, 2015. Michelle Obama flew in to Japan on Wednesday for a three-day visit as part of the Let Girls Learn international girls education initiative. REUTERS/Issei Kato
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama disembark from Air Force One as they arrive in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly September 23, 2014. World leaders gather in New York this week to tackle a host of crises: the violence Islamic State militants are wreaking in Iraq and Syria, the exponential spread of the deadly Ebola virus in Africa and deadlocked negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (UNITED STATES – Tags: POLITICS TRANSPORT)
(L-R) Spain’s Queen Letizia, U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, Spain’s King Felipe and U.S. President Barak Obama pose during a visit to the White House in Washington September 15, 2015. REUTERS/Francisco Gomez/Pool
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama (2nd L) pose with Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) and Madame Peng Liyuan as they arrive for a State Dinner at the White House in Washington September 25, 2015. REUTERS/Mike Theiler
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, with Britain’s Prince Harry at her side, gives a young boy the game ball at the end of a basketball game played by wounded warriors at Fort Belvoir, Virginia October 28, 2015. Prince Harry is at Fort Belvoir to meet soldiers and spread the word about the Invictus Games, which supports wounded warriors. Prince Harry spearheaded the Invictus Games, which was first held in London last September. The next Invictus Games is planned for May in Orlando, Florida. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama waves as she leaves Doha, at Hamad International Airport, Qatar November 6, 2015. The First Lady did not fly to Jordan due to a weather call. The trip was cancelled after 36 hours of standing by in Doha, U.S. embassy in Doha said. REUTERS/Naseem Zeitoon
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcome Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau as they arrive for a state dinner at the White House in Washington March 10, 2016. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama speaks before a group of schoolgirls in Buenos Aires, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (left) stands with the President and First Lady of the United States Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle ahead of a private lunch hosted by the Queen, in Windsor, Britain, April 22, 2016. REUTERS/John Stillwell/Pool
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama pose with Britain’s Prince William, his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry, upon arrival for dinner at Kensington Palace in London, Britain April 22, 2016. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama depart Winfield House in London to have lunch with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle, Britain April 22, 2016. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson (2nd R), Prime Minister of the Republic of Iceland and Mrs. Ingibjorg Elsa Ingjaldsdottir at a state dinner in the White House during the U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit in Washington, U.S. May 13, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcome Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Mrs. Lee Hsien Loong to the White House in Washington U.S., August 2, 2016. REUTERS/Mary F. Calvert
U.S. first lady Michelle Obama waves during her speech at the first session at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 25, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar
First lady Michelle Obama arrives for a back-to-school event with students at Howard University in Washington, U.S., September 1, 2016. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts
U.S. President Barack Obama and First lady Michelle Obama greet the audience at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 46th annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, September 17, 2016. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas
U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama hosts Broadway Shines A Light on Girls’ Education at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater in Manhattan, New York, U.S., September 19, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton arrives to a campaign rally accompanied by U.S. first lady Michelle Obama in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S., October 27, 2016. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is joined by U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd L), first lady Michelle Obama (L), former U.S. President Bill Clinton (R) and Chelsea Clinton (2nd R) at a campaign rally on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. November 7, 2016, the final day of campaigning before the election. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaks during the second day of the first Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. November 1, 2017. REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski
Former U.S. President Barack Obama sits with former first lady Michelle Obama prior to the the unveiling of their portraits at the Smithsonian?s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, U.S., February 12, 2018. REUTERS/Jim Bourg
Michelle Obama greets students at the fifth annual College Signing Day, hosted by Reach Higher, at Temple Universitys Liacouras Center in North Philadelphia, on May 2, 2018. The Former First Lady is joined by 7.000 students and (on stage) stars, performing artists and athletes including Bradley Cooper, Rebel Wilson, Zendaya, Robert De Niro, Camila Cabello, Questlove, Anthony Mackie and Janelle Monae. (Photo by Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Former US first lady Michelle Obama attends the United State of Women Summit at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, on May 5, 2018. (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRIS DELMAS/AFP/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JUNE 22: Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama discusses her forthcoming memoir titled, ‘Becoming’, during the 2018 American Library Association Annual Conference on June 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JUNE 22: Former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama speaks during the Opening General Session of the 2018 American Library Association Annual Conference at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on June 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage)
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 23: Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks during a rally for When We All Vote’s National Week of Action at Chaparral High School on September 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Obama is the founder and a co-chairwoman of the organization that aims to help people register and to vote. Early voting for the 2018 midterm elections in Nevada begins on October 20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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In her memoir, Obama writes of her first meeting with the royals during a visit to Buckingham Palace in President Obama’s first year. Photographers captured her putting her arm around the queen — a “protocol-breaching” moment that quickly escalated, sending the media into a frenzy.
As explained by Obama, it was a gesture she shared after the two complained to each other about how badly their feet were hurting.
Writes Obama:
The Queen then glanced down at the pair of black Jimmy Choos I was wearing. She shook her head.
‘These shoes are unpleasant, are they not?’ she said. She gestured with some frustration at her own black pumps.
‘I confessed then to the Queen that my feet were hurting. She confessed that hers hurt, too. We looked at each other then with identical expressions, like, when is all this standing around with world leaders going to finally wrap up? And with this, she busted out with a fully charming laugh.’
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Royals meet the Obamas
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Michelle Obama, wife of U.S. President Barack Obama, left, walks with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II at the reception at Buckingham Palace in London Wednesday, April 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Daniel Hambury, pool)
FILE – This is a April 1, 2009 file photo dated of US President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London. US President Barack Obama is to make a state visit to the UK in May after accepting an invitation from the Queen, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday Feb. 17, 2011. (AP Photo/John Stillwell/Pool, File)
US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, pose with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday April 1, 2009.(AP Photo/John Stillwell, pool)
US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, pose with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday April 1, 2009.(AP Photo/John Stillwell, pool)
US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, are welcomed by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday April 1, 2009.(AP Photo/John Stillwell, pool)
FILE – In this April 22, 2016 file photo President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are greeted by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as they arrive on Marine One at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England. With his departure from Berlin on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 Obama will leave Europe for the last time as U.S. President. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, file)
FILE – In this May 24, 2011 file photo President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip pose for photographers prior to a dinner hosted by the queen at Buckingham Palace in London. With his departure from Berlin on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 Obama will leave Europe for the last time as U.S. President. (Larry Downing/Pool photo via AP, file)
US President Barack Obama, right, talks to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II as he arrives at Windsor castle, England, Friday, April, 22, 2016. Obama and First lady Michelle Obama had a private lunch with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor castle. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, Pool)
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk from Winfield House in London en route to Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Friday, April 22, 2016, to meet with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
President Barack Obama and his wife first lady Michelle Obama are greeted by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip after landing by helicopter at Windsor Castle for a private lunch in Windsor, England, Friday, April, 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant Pool)
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama get into a Range Rover as the president and first lady Michelle Obama arrive at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Friday, April 22, 2016. Obama is spending his first full day in the United Kingdom on Friday after arriving Thursday evening. He started by having lunch at Windsor Castle with Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrates her 90th birthday this week. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
President Barack Obama, center, and his wife first lady Michelle Obama, right, pose with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in the Oak room at Windsor Castle ahead of a private lunch hosted by the Queen, Friday, April 22, 2016 (John Stillwell/Pool)
U.S. President Barack Obama, center left, and his wife first lady Michelle Obama, center right, pose with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, left, and Prince Phillip in the Oak room at Windsor Castle ahead of a private lunch hosted by the Queen, Friday, April 22, 2016 (John Stillwell/Pool)
U.S. President Barack Obama, right, and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, left, enters the Oak room followed by U.S first lady Michelle Obama, background right, and Britain’s Prince Phillip at Windsor Castle ahead of a private lunch hosted by the Queen, Friday, April 22, 2016 (John Stillwell/Pool)
President Barack Obama and his wife first lady Michelle Obama are greeted by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip after landing by helicopter at Windsor Castle for a private lunch in Windsor, England, Friday, April, 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant Pool)
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are greeted by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip as they arrive on Marine One at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Friday, April 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama arrive on Marine One at Winfield House in London, Friday, April 22, 2016, after meeting with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Photo by: KGC-375/STAR MAX/IPx 4/22/16 Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh stand with the President and First Lady of the United States Barack Obama and his wife Michelle (both centre), in the Oak room at Windsor Castle ahead of a private lunch hosted by the Queen.
Photo by: KGC-375/STAR MAX/IPx 4/22/16 Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh stand with the President and First Lady of the United States Barack Obama and his wife Michelle (both centre), in the Oak room at Windsor Castle ahead of a private lunch hosted by the Queen.
President Barack Obama, left, and first lady Michelle Obama, right, arrive at the Sovereign’s Entrance in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, in Windsor, England, Friday, April 22, 2016. Obama is in Britain for a three day visit. (Geoff Pugh/Pool Photo via AP)
FILE – In this May 25, 2011, file photo, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcome Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for a reciprocal dinner at Winfield House in London. Obama has gone the extra mile to deliver 90th birthday greetings to Queen Elizabeth II. He’ll do so over lunch on April 22 with the queen at Windsor Castle near London on what likely is the final trip to Britain of the Obama presidency. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
U.S. President Barack Obama, first row center, and Russian President Vladimir, 2nd row center, pose during a group photo for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Benouville, Normany, France, Friday, June 6, 2014. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth is standing at right and the King of Norway, Harald V, at left. World leaders and veterans paid tribute on the 70th anniversary of the World War Two D-Day landings to soldiers who fell in the liberation of Europe from Nazi German rule, as host France sought to use the event to achieve a thaw in the Ukraine crisis. (Regis Duvignau, pool)
President of France Francois Hollande, centre, speaks flanked by US President Barack Obama, second left, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, centre left, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe centre right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a luncheon for Heads of State at Chateau de Benouville in Benouville France Friday June 6, 2014. World leaders and dignitaries including President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II gathered to honor the more than 150,000 American, British, Canadian and other Allied D-Day troops who risked and gave their lives to defeat Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. (AP Photo/Stephen Crawley, Pool)
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II talks with U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and US Ambassador Louis Susman at Buckingham Palace in London for a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth II for the heads of state and government prior to attending the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, Friday, July 27, 2012. (AP Photo/Dominic Lipinski, Pool)
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcome Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for a reciprocal dinner at Winfield House in London, Wednesday, May 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. President Barack Obama in Buckingham Palace, London, ahead of a state banquet on Tuesday May 24, 2011. President Barack Obama immersed himself in the grandeur of Britain’s royal family Tuesday, as Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him to Buckingham Palace for the first day of a state visit. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, Pool)
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, and U.S. President Barack Obama during a state banquet in Buckingham Palace, London, on Tuesday May 24, 2011. President Barack Obama immersed himself in the grandeur of Britain’s royal family Tuesday, as Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him to Buckingham Palace for the first day of a state visit. (AP Photo/Lewis Whyld, Pool)
President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip pose for photographers prior to a dinner hosted by the queen, Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at Buckingham Palace in London. (AP Photo/Larry Downing, Pool)
U.S. President Barack Obama, and first lady Michelle Obama, left, are greeted by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, right, as they arrive at Buckingham Palace in London, Tuesday, May 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and first lady Michelle Obama, right, talk to Britain’s Prince William, 2nd left, and the Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace, in London Tuesday May 24, 2011. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama traded-in Irish charm for the pomp and pageantry of Buckingham Palace Tuesday as they opened a two-day State Visit to Britain at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Toby Melville, Pool)
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and first lady Michelle Obama, right, talk to Britain’s Prince William, 2nd left, and the Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace, in London Tuesday May 24, 2011. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama traded-in Irish charm for the pomp and pageantry of Buckingham Palace Tuesday as they opened a two-day State Visit to Britain at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Toby Melville, Pool)
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama stand with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip on the Terrace Stairs of Buckingham Palace during an official arrival ceremony in London, Tuesday, May 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
President Barack Obama nad first lady Michelle Obama, are photographed with Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip upon their arrival at Buckingham Palace in London, Tuesday, May 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, left holds onto her hat as President Barack Obama, second left first lady Michelle Obama and Prince Philip prepare to go inside Buckingham Place after the President inspected a honor guard from the Scots Guards at the start of the president’s State Visit in London, Tuesday, May, 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and first lady Michelle Obama, right, talk to Britain’s Prince William, 2nd left, and the Duchess of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace, in London Tuesday May 24, 2011. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama traded-in Irish charm for the pomp and pageantry of Buckingham Palace Tuesday as they opened a two-day State Visit to Britain at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Toby Melville, Pool)
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Prince Philip in Buckingham Palace, London, ahead of a state banquet on Tuesday May 24, 2011. President Barack Obama immersed himself in the grandeur of Britain’s royal family Tuesday, as Queen Elizabeth II welcomed him to Buckingham Palace for the first day of a state visit. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, Pool)
TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 29: Former U.S. President Barack Obama and Prince Harry share a joke as they watch wheelchair baskeball on day 7 of the Invictus Games 2017 on September 29, 2017 in Toronto, Canada (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)
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The former first lady went on to explain that they were just “two tired ladies oppressed by our shoes.” In pictures, you can see the queen reacting to Obama’s “faux pas” by placing her hand around her waist.
“If I hadn’t done the proper thing at Buckingham Palace, I had at least done the human thing,” Obama wrote of the breach. “I daresay the Queen was OK with it too, because when I touched her, she pulled closer, resting a gloved hand lightly on the small of my back.”
Photo: Getty
The Obamas and the queen’s friendship has extended far beyond that first meeting in 2009. Michelle and Barack made many more visits to London and have met with other members of the royal family, including Prince George. It’s also been reported that Barack is particularly close with Prince Harry, although he was not present at his May 2019 nuptials.
For more on the Obamas’ meeting with the monarch, watch the video above!
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