LONDON — Michelle Obama's second encounter with Queen Elizabeth II began with a handshake and ended in a hug.

On the eve of the G-20 summit, the first lady and President Obama attended a Wednesday evening reception for world leaders, hosted by the queen. Mrs. Obama apparently made an impression with the 82-year-old monarch — the queen strayed slightly from protocol and briefly wrapped her arm around the first lady in a rare public gesture.

The first lady — who had met the queen earlier that day with both their husbands for an exchange of gifts — returned the gesture.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said he could not remember the last time the queen had displayed such public affection with a dignitary.

SPEARS AFRAID OF FATHER, WITNESS TESTIFIES

LOS ANGELES — The sister of Britney Spears' former manager testified Wednesday that the pop singer said in recent months she was afraid of her father and wanted help hiring her own lawyer.

Attorneys for Jamie Spears and a conservatorship are seeking a long-term restraining order prohibiting Osama "Sam" Lutfi, a manager and confidant of the singer during her personal meltdown, from contacting her.

Christina Lutfi said Britney Spears told her she was afraid of her father and needed her brother's help to hire her own attorney.

LITTLE RICHARD, BERRY SALUTE FATS DOMINO

NEW ORLEANS — Little Richard and Chuck Berry are dusting off the songbook of a New Orleans legend to raise money for the city's parks and schools.

They're part of a May 30 concert at the New Orleans Arena called "The Domino Effect" because they'll be performing songs popularized by New Orleans native and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist Fats Domino.

The concert is a fundraiser for a charity run by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees called Operation Kids, which has raised more than $1.5 million since 2007.

CELEBRITIES WELCOME, GITMO CHIEF SAYS

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba — The Guantanamo prison camps' commander said yesterday he will continue to approve celebrity visits despite a simmering controversy over a USO-sponsored visit last month by Miss USA and Miss Universe.

"They were on tour to say hello and thank you to the guard force," said Navy Rear Adm. David M. Thomas Jr., sweeping aside a claim that having detainees be on view for celebrities violates Geneva Convention protections.

The USO, which used to send comedian Bob Hope to Vietnam, sponsored the visit March 21 to 24 by Miss USA Crystle Stewart and Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, a 22-year-old model from Venezuela.