A BBC reporter was mocked online for describing a member of White House staff as 'not Michelle Obama' during the coverage of Donald Trump's inauguration.

Katty Kay, who is fronting the BBC's special programme on the Washington ceremony, interrupted an interviewee this afternoon when the doors of the White House moved.

But she was left red-faced after an unknown black woman emerged, leading the presenter to comment: 'That is not Michelle Obama, just somebody coming out and checking everything is ready I imagine'.

A BBC reporter was left red-faced today when she described a black woman outside the White House as 'not Michelle Obama' during coverage of Donald Trump's inauguration

The gaffe raised smiles online, with viewers taking to Twitter to point out that they would have recognised the outgoing First Lady.

One wrote: 'Black woman walks out of White House - BBC commentator says 'No, that's not Michelle Obama' REALLY!!!

Angela Marston added: 'BBC presenter just said 'oh no that's not Michelle Obama' as black woman who was clearly not Michelle Obama comes through door. Cringe.'

Another user tweeted: 'Random black woman described as 'not Michelle Obama' on BBC News'.

A BBC spokesman said: 'Katty had made it clear that Michelle Obama was expected to soon appear shortly before making this comment.'

The gaffe was mocked online, with viewers saying they know what Michelle Obama looks like

Both BBC One and ITV have cleared out their schedules this afternoon to make way for Trump's swearing in ceremony.

Barack Obama left the Oval Office for the final time to meet president-elect Mr Trump at the White House ahead of his inauguration.

The outgoing president stood on the steps of the White House with his wife to welcome Trump, fresh from a family visit to church, for tea as he gets ready to become the 45th president of the United States.

Mr Trump and Melania had tea with the Obamas before travelling together in the presidential limousine for the short trip to the US Capitol building.

Tens of thousands of people across the world are preparing to stage protests as the swearing-in of the new premier takes place, including in Washington DC, where protesters clashed with police outside a pro-Trump rally.