Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Barack Obama pictured on super yacht taking photo of Michelle with an iPad

Social media went into overdrive

Rachael Revesz
Tuesday 18 April 2017 17:41 BST
Comments
Former President and First Lady relax on holiday
Former President and First Lady relax on holiday (AFP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Barack Obama may be out of the White House but wherever he goes, the world is watching and reacting with delight.

If he walks out of Starbucks in New York City and smiles, people swoon. If he strolls along the beach at Martha’s Vineyard, it goes down equally well online.

And not to mention the couple's Valentine’s Day posts.

The latest sensation has been the sighting of the former President taking a picture of wife Michelle Obama on deck of a boat on holiday.

He was possibly on a tablet, judging by the size of the device he was holding.

The backdrop to the former First Lady was the French Polynesian island of Moorea.

Mr Obama hanging out at the British Virgin Islands with Richard Branson
Mr Obama hanging out at the British Virgin Islands with Richard Branson

Ms Obama appeared to be sporting natural hair while her husband was in sunglasses and white, arguably sailor-style trousers.

The boat in question is a 454-foot yacht, belonging to billionaire David Geffen.

Fellow passengers included Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa.

Rumour had it that Oprah Winfrey was also on board.

Since leaving the capital in January, the couple have spent time in Palm Springs, met up with Richard Branson in the British Virgin Islands and visited a private island once owned by Marlon Brando to enjoy some water sports.

After Mr Obama left the Oval Office, he tweeted: “Michelle and I are off on a quick vacation, then we’ll get back to work.”

Ms Obama wrote: “After an extraordinary 8 years, I'll be taking a little break. Will be back before you know it to work with you on the issues we care about.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in