"The rules are set in stone."

… ”Whatever you do, don’t touch the Queen!”

Royal etiquette dictates that the Queen not be touched unless she reaches out first. Patting the Queen's back, however, is almost unprecedented behavior in Buckingham Palace."
Of course, there are corollaries to this. One must certainly touch the Queen if the monarch offers her hand (though you should return this not with a firm handshake but just a touch). On Wednesday, Michelle Obama put her hand on the Queen only after the Queen had placed her own hand on the First Lady's back as part of their conversation. So there is room for theological argument as to whether the American reciprocity of touch was allowable given the social dynamics of the situation.
The Obama's gave the Queen (what I think) is a perfect gift. An iPod.

"Go Elizabeth Go"

It was loaded with video and photos of her 2007 trip to the United States, as well as songs and accessories. I heard the "buzz" before the gift exchange... what are they going to give her... perfect choice (to me anyway). I just "eat up" the pomp and circumstance of the entire Royal Family... but sadly, it's not quite as interesting since Princess Diana's death...

Sorry Camilla, youjust don't cut it.
Is this Queen EVER going to step down and let Charles take the thrown... or does she really dislike him so much and waiting for Prince William ~ another fun chapter. And, way to go Michelle, for being one of the first to break the centuries of etiquette and give those ladies in waiting a near heart attack!