JAMESTOWN, Va. — As the world mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we're remembering Her Majesty's visit to Virginia in 2007.
The Queen came to Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg on May 4 of that year, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown Settlement.
She got a tour of Jamestown Island and then ended the day with a reception at the restored Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg. Also in attendance were Vice President Dick Cheney and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
It was the second time the monarch came to the region, having also paid a visit to Jamestown in 1957 for its 350th anniversary.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine was governor of Virginia at the time of the queen's 2007 visit, and said in a statement Thursday, "Queen Elizabeth II was beloved by millions, and I mourn with the people of the United Kingdom today. Her Majesty visited Virginia in 2007 while I was Governor, two weeks after the Virginia Tech shooting, and she grieved with us then, giving us a moment to unite around during an incredibly difficult time. Her kindness and grace will be missed in the United Kingdom, in Virginia, and across the world."
Following the announcement of her passing on Thursday, current Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin also expressed his condolences, saying in part, "throughout her reign, she showed steadfast compassion towards the United States during trying times, especially following the September 11th attacks ... the Queen's consistent tenderness for the Commonwealth and Virginians will never be forgotten."