The Story

Queen to Visit Virginia May 3-4

Mar. 22, 2007 | By James Evans, DSJ News Editor

Governor Kaine made an announcement Wednesday that Queen Elizabeth II will visit Jamestown for its 400th Anniversary celebration. Courtesy of University Relations.

Governor Kaine announced Wednesday that Queen Elizabeth II will visit Virginia Thursday and Friday May 3 and 4, 2007.

�"On behalf of all Virginians, my family and I will be honored to host Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in May,” Kaine said in a prepared statement.

The announcement completes a recent crescendo of media speculation on the official dates of the Queen’s visit. The controversy began after the Sunday Times of London reported the Queen would be in the United States from May 3 to 9 with the Kentucky Derby serving as the focal point of the trip.

�"We are pleased Her Majesty has chosen to visit during this momentous year for Virginia. Her Majesty’s first visit to the United States in 1957 coincided with the 350th anniversary of Jamestown,” Kaine said, though this time the Queen will miss the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown by a week.

The announcement also quells speculation that the Queen may serve as the Class of 2007’s commencement speaker since she will miss the May 20 ceremony by more than two weeks. The College has made no official announcements regarding the keynote or student commencement speakers.

�"This Royal visit speaks to the importance of Jamestown to both of our countries, reaffirms the strong, historic ties between our nations and demonstrates a mutual commitment to reinforce these connections as we go forward together,” Kaine said.

The Sunday Times also reported that President George W. Bush will serve as the keynote speaker at the Jamestown 2007 celebration, though no domestic sources have confirmed the report.

The Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, will return to London on May 9 after attending the Kentucky Derby on May 5. According to the Washington Post, the Queen will also attend a white-tie state dinner in Washington.

The Daily Press reported that an advance team of planners visited Williamsburg last Friday to begin making arrangements for the Queen’s visit.

�"Our Commonwealth will welcome the Queen with true southern hospitality, and our year-long commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown certainly will benefit from the international attention that this Royal visit will bring,” Kaine said.

There are no details available about yet about the Queen’s itinerary except that she will be in Virginia on May 3 and 4. Whether she will visit Williamsburg or the College is yet to be announced.