GOVERNOR KAINE, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ANNOUNCE THAT QUEEN OF ENGLAND HAS ACCEPTED INVITATION TO ADDRESS VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON MAY 3
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Office of the Governor
Timothy M. Kaine FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor April 24, 2007
Contact: Tamra Talmadge-Anderson
Phone: (804) 225-4947
Cell Phone: (804) 201-7839
Internet: www.governor.virginia.gov/Queen
GOVERNOR KAINE, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ANNOUNCE THAT QUEEN OF ENGLAND HAS ACCEPTED INVITATION TO ADDRESS VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON MAY 3
~ Virginia General Assembly dates back to 1619 and Jamestown House of Burgesses ~
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced today that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has accepted an invitation to address a special joint session of Virginia’s General Assembly at the State Capitol in Richmond on May 3. The Queen and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, will visit Virginia May 3 and 4 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. Governor Kaine will serve as the Commonwealth’s official host for the Royal visit to Virginia.
The Virginia General Assembly traces its origins to the House of Burgesses at Jamestown in 1619. It is heralded as the oldest continuous law-making body in the New World.
“Four hundred years after colonists first ventured from the Jamestown settlement to explore what is now Richmond, Virginia’s capital will shine in the international spotlight of The Queen’s historic visit,” said Governor Kaine. “While the location and name of Virginia’s legislature have changed since 1619, the democratic ideals which took root in the House of Burgesses remain the foundation of this Commonwealth and our nation.”
The Queen will address the General Assembly in Virginia’s historic State Capitol. Designed by Thomas Jefferson and completed in 1798, the Capitol is a National Historic Landmark, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2004, the Capitol underwent an extensive, three-year restoration and expansion project.
“It will be a high honor and a truly special moment in our Commonwealth's long and storied history to have The Queen of England address the Virginia General Assembly, which traces its roots to the House of Burgesses in Jamestown,” said House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell. “Her Majesty's presence in one of America's oldest, finest and newly renovated state Capitols is a wonderful way to commemorate Virginia's 400th anniversary year."
"Virginia is enormously proud of its history and heritage,” said Senator John H. Chichester, President pro tempore of the Virginia State Senate. “We are delighted to have The Queen celebrate with us the beautifully restored Capitol – the keystone of Virginia's past, present and future."
Other prominent British leaders who have addressed the Virginia General Assembly include Winston Churchill in 1946 and Margaret Thatcher in 1995.
The Queen’s visit on May 3 and 4, and Anniversary Weekend, May 11-13 in Jamestown, are the highlights of an 18-month commemoration of America’s 400th Anniversary. The White House has announced the President George W. Bush will attend Anniversary Weekend ceremonies.
For more information about The Queen’s visit to Virginia, go to www.governor.virginia.gov/Queen or call 1.877.433.4362.
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