What’s on Brit PM’s DVD shelf?

Samantha Cameron discloses details of the Downing Street DVD and book collection during an informal meeting with Michelle Obama

What's on Brit PM's DVD shelf?

Samantha Cameron discloses details of the Downing Street DVD and book collection during an informal meeting with Michelle Obama

A rare glimpse of the Camerons' private life has been shown in a picture of Samantha Cameron and Michelle Obama having a chat in the Prime Minister's home. The photograph of the leaders' wives on the sofa at the Camerons' Downing Street apartment, released by the White House, is sure to cement the image of the UK's "special relationship" with America. The Camerons, like the Blairs and Browns before them, chose to live in the larger four-bedroom flat above 11 Downing Street, rather than the smaller apartment above Number 10.

The backdrop to the photo of the leaders' wivesu00a0-- taken before "having tea"u00a0-- shows the contemporary style in which the Camerons live away from the public eye.

Modern family:u00a0US First Lady has a cosy chat with Samantha Cameron
in the kitchen.u00a0

US President Obama and UK's PM David Cameron roll up their sleeves
as they serve BBQ to military personel during an event hosted to honour
military families from US and Britain and veterans at 10 Downing Street
yesterday. pics/AFP, White House

The smart mustard sofa, simple wooden flooring and neutral walls are a stark contrast to the traditional, elegant decor the Obamas will have been enjoying at Buckingham Palace. Behind the Prime Minister and First Lady, the Camerons' book and DVD collection, though hard to make out, may give away some of their literary and TV likes and dislikes. On the shelves are two box sets of the American TV series 24 and an array of other movies and TV collections including Band of Brothers, Brideshead Revisited, Michael McIntyre's Live and Laughing DVD and the Bruce Willis film Armageddon. Books include The Family Cookbook, Paris Interiors, and Arts And Artists. No strangers to technology, the photo also shows a peek at their flat-screen TV.

Most noticeable in the background may be the sleek, state-of-the-art kitchen. The Camerons were known to have had the small 70s kitchen in the flat renovated at their own expense before they moved in, but it later emerged they had also had a second kitchen fitted. Both dubbed fashion icons in the past, their outfits do not disappoint. Obama wore a vibrant purple wool-crepe dress, teamed with a blue coat by New York designer Narciso Rodriguez for other engagements in the day. Sam Cam doesn't let down the side, backing British in a Peter Pilotto embroidered floral silk dress.

Oops moment
Barack Obama made a gaffe during his state visit yesterdayu00a0-- signing Westminster Abbey's visitors' book with the incorrect year. The president dated his entry May 24, 2008, rather than the current year.

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