RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement on today's announcement from Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Virginia May 3rd and 4th, 2007, in recognition of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown:

            “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. 

            “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, and for the Queen to spend two days in Virginia during her first visit to the United States in 16 years is extraordinary.

            “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.

            “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.”

            As more information becomes available, regular updates about the Queen’s visit to Virginia will be available online at www.governor.virginia.gov. In addition, information on the Royal visit will be available through the Virginia Tourism Corporation at 877-876-8282.