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STORY: British Prime Minister David Cameron joked he was "a little embarrassed" to be at the White House considering his ancestors attempted to burn it down 200 years earlier, as he was welcomed to the White House by U.S. President Barack Obama.

Cameron's line drew appreciative laughter from media and assembled British and U.S. delegations.

"Now, looking around me, I can see you've got the place a little better defended today. You're clearly not taking any risks with the Brits this time," Cameron said.

Obama also joked that the British "really lit up the place" but went on to characterize the relationship between Britain and the United States as "one of the greatest alliances the world has ever known."

Despite the levity, the two leaders have a long list of topics they are expected to discuss including: Afghanistan, Iran, the Arab Spring, Syria, and spurring job growth jobs in the world economy.

Cameron was accompanied by his wife Samantha who offered her husband an encouraging pat on his behind after his well received welcome remarks.