Outgoing US President Barack Obama on Friday left the Oval Office for the last time, before welcoming his successor Donald Trump to the White House

Obama walked into the Oval Office holding a letter, which he left on the Resolute desk, a 19th century gift from Queen Elizabeth that is made from the timber of a British arctic vessel.

Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik gives the final touches to his sand sculpture of US President-elect Donald Trump at Puri beach, some 65 kilometers away from Bhubaneswar on January 19, 2017.
US President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th US President on January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO

It is customary for the outgoing president to leave a personal note for his successor.

Obama was to have morning tea with Trump before they make their way to the Capitol for the inauguration ceremony.

As Obama walked along the West Wing colonnade, when asked if he was feeling nostalgic, “Of course” was the reply.

Asked for last words for the American people, he offered a simple “Thank you.”

When Obama arrived in the Oval Office eight years ago he found a note from his predecessor, George W. Bush.

“Very few have had the honor of knowing the responsibility you now feel. Very few know the excitement of the moment and the challenges you will face,” it read.

US President Barack Obama(R) and First Lady Michelle Obama(L) welcome President-elect Donald Trump(2nd-R) and his wife Melania(2nd-L) to the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: Supporters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today’s inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/AFP

US President Barack Obama(R) and First Lady Michelle Obama(L) welcome Preisdent-elect Donald Trump(2nd-R) and his wife Melania to the White House in Washington, DC January 20, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JIM WATSON

“There will be trying moments. The critics will rage. Your ‘friends’ will disappoint you. But, you will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you, including me.”

“No matter what comes, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead.”