From: VCI [mailto:VCI@governor.virginia.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 11:18 AM
Subject: Governor's press release for Queen's visit


COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
Office of the Governor

Timothy M. Kaine                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Governor                                                          April 24, 2007

Contact:                Tamra Talmadge-Anderson
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.