Michelle Obama to attend Olympic Games ceremony

Michelle Obama will be travelling to London to attend the Olympic Games' opening ceremony (AP)

Michelle Obama will be travelling to London to attend the Olympic Games' opening ceremony, the White House announced.

The US First Lady is following in the steps of her predecessors Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, who headed the American delegations to the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, and the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, respectively.

Mrs Obama will also attend a reception for Heads of State hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace and meet Prime Minister David Cameron's wife Samantha during the three-day visit.

She will also cheer on Team USA athletes as they compete at the Games.

Mrs Obama will lead the presidential delegation to the opening ceremony accompanied by Olympic and Paralympic greats.

Mrs Obama is set to host an event for about 1,000 US military children plus US and British students to try to get them interested and excited by the spirit of the Olympics.

David Beckham and Manchester United stars are also set to appear at the Let's Move! London event on July 27.

It is part of Mrs Obama's work in trying to get more children healthy and active.

Mark Ronson, Katy B and The Wanted will be among the acts, along with SpongeBob SquarePants and the Power Rangers, who will be on hand to entertain the children.

Gymnast Nadia Comaneci and members of the US track and field team who will be competing at London 2012 are among the line-up of famous sporting faces set to attend.

It is hoped the sports stations provided by Nickelodeon, the NBA and USA Basketball, US Tennis Association, USA Field Hockey, USA Track and Field, Manchester United and Right to Play will help the youngsters get active.

The Buckingham Palace reception will be held later that evening.

Mrs Obama meets Mrs Cameron later that day and will also get the chance to cheer on Team USA.

Her official duties, before departing on July 29. will include touching base with the US Olympic Committee, the US Olympic alumni athletes and Team USA supporters.

Behind closed doors she will also find time to greet and thank members of the US Embassy and their families.

PA