Bush leaves Buckingham Palace

Britain's Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have said farewell to George and Laura Bush as the US visitors left Buckingham Palace in presidential style.

Parked on the Queen's well-kept lawn, the scene of royal garden parties, Marine One, the US President's helicopter was waiting to take off.

Mr and Mrs Bush walked with their hosts, the Queen and Duke, from the Palace on to the West Terrace, chatting above the noise of the helicopter engine and ignoring the light drizzle.

Smiling, they exchanged handshakes and the President and his wife walked hand-in-hand across the lawn to the khaki helicopter which bore the flag of the United States and the presidential seal.

The Queen with the Duke retreated to the shelter of the Bow Room and watched as President Bush waved from the top of the helicopter steps.

Nearby a second back-up helicopter was also preparing to lift off.

It was the official end of the presidential state visit to Britain as President Bush and his entourage flew from the Palace to London's Heathrow airport to board a flight to north-east England.

The US visit now becomes a private affair between the Bushes and British Prime Minister Tony Blair who is entertaining them in his Sedgefield constituency.