The royal family just came seriously close to offending Obama

The Royal family had to act fast not to cause racist offence during President Obama's recent visit. The President and First Lady were about to arrive for dinner at Kensington Palace with William, Kate and Harry on Friday evening when an assistant spotted a plaque naming a 1660 painting by Dutch artist Aelbert Cuyp as 'The Negro Page'.

In moments that must have felt like they were being scripted for The Thick Of It, aides scrambled to remove the plaque and then to cover up the missing sign with a pot plant - as can be seen in the official picture above.

Not the first racist piece of work to cause embarrassment for the Royal family, although for once Prince Philip was blameless.

(Photo via Getty Images)