By Damanpreet Lobana '25
Photo Courtesy of W&M News
As dignitaries from around the world mourned the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our university remembers her graceful presence on campus. Over the course of that history, the College of William and Mary was honored to host several members of the British Royal family, and the queen managed to visit twice – first back in 1957 and most recently in 2007.
Her first visit was in October 1957, where she, along with her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, visited the Historic Triangle as part of the 350th anniversary of the establishment of Jamestown. The highlight of this event was a motorcade on Duke of Gloucester Street that witnessed Royal Guards riding on horses as people lined up on the sides waving flags of Great Britain. According to the Swem Library records, the Queen had tea at the President’s house, spoke from the balcony of the Wren building to a crowd of about 20,000 people and accepted gifts from the university. Outside of the university, the Queen would invite selected individuals to the United Kingdom to participate in several events. In 1998, the College was selected to represent the United States through a joint resolution to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the ascension of King William III and Queen Mary II. In 1993, William and Mary sent another delegation that included Tim Sullivan, the president, alumni, and students, including the William and Mary Choir to Drapers’ Hall in London to meet the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth II would visit the campus again in May 2007 when she was commemorating the 400th anniversary of the establishment of Jamestown. The preparation for her arrival took several weeks. The college staff coordinated logistics, created banners, and participated in security briefings. Students lined up for hours before the University Center to get tickets. When she arrived, she was accompanied by numerous dignitaries, including the Governor of Virginia, Tim Kaine, Chancellor Sandra Day O’Connor, and the members of the Virginia General Assembly. The performances by members of the Queen’s Guard, the Gentleman of the college, the Accidentals, and the William and Mary Choir, made this special. The highlight to the ceremony occurred after the College’s Class of 2007 President Jess Vince explained the traditions that many seniors graduating from the university undertake after attending their final class – ringing the Wren bell. The queen obliged by proceeding to ring the bell, forever connecting her with those who graduated that year.
These memories would continue to remain as part of our remarkable history and forever impart Her Majesty as part of our community. As we remember her contributions, we share our condolences with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom.