Plans for a Royal Visit
In 1956, as Virginia prepared for the 350th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown, the College's Board of Visitors unanimously resolved to invite Her Royal Highness to visit the campus in conjunction with any trip she might make to Jamestown. The Queen's decision to visit the Historic Triangle set off a flurry of planning. The College negotiated with the British Embassy over details of the Queen's visit to the campus, while the State Department made sure that all parties were aware of royal protocol.
As October 16, 1957, approached, campus staff worked hard to make sure that every detail was right, from what uniforms the ROTC honor guard would wear to checking the light bulbs in the Wren Building to who would be with the Queen each minute.
Many students and staff wanted to see the royal couple, as did visitors to Williamsburg. Begging her to keep the information to herself, a Jamestown Commission staff member even told a friend who owned a guest house that her guests could see the Queen if they were anywhere from College Corner to the Palace Green on Duke of Gloucester Street. The College issued tickets to view the short ceremony on the Wren Balcony. Meanwhile, the Flat Hat begged students to behave themselves and dress appropriately.