LONDON — Michelle Obama and her two daughters livened up London’s streets this week on an unofficial visit to the city, taking in the sorts of things that would appeal to a young family — a Harry Potter set, Westminster Abbey, a show.
The first lady’s office had initially refused to give details of the visit, but spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld confirmed Wednesday that Obama and her daughters, Sasha, 8, and Malia, 10, had been in London and seen some of the city’s sights.
The visit was designed to be informal and low-key, but the Obamas’ security guards and armored vehicles grabbed Londoners’ attention as the family drove around the British capital. Photographs of the family taken across London show the Obamas looking relaxed and cheerful, waving to curious onlookers and other tourists.
Cintia Pinto, a waitress at a west London pub where the Obamas ate steak and fish and chips, said she was shocked when she realized who her customers were going to be.
“We had a booking for a table of 15, but we had no idea it was going to be them,” she said.
“We were all speechless when they walked in. But they were all very friendly, smiling and laughing.”
Theatergoers were equally surprised the next evening, when the Obamas arrived in an armored vehicle to watch the musical “The Lion King” in London’s West End theater district from a private box.
Lelyveld confirmed that the Obamas had been in London and had visited the famous clock tower at the Houses of Parliament that houses the Big Ben bell, along with Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and a Harry Potter set.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s office said Michelle Obama had also a private meeting with Sarah Brown, the prime minister’s wife.
