The queen announced the visit in a speech today launching a new session of the British Parliament.

At about the same time, President Bush released a statement welcoming the royal couple "for a state visit to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown Settlement.

"The United States and the United Kingdom enjoy an extraordinary friendship that is sustained by deep historical and cultural ties and a commitment to defend freedom around the world," Bush said.

Virginia officials coordinating the ongoing Jamestown commemoration have scheduled an America's Anniversary Weekend event on and near Jamestown May 11, 12, and 13. It will mark four centuries since Jamestown's founding as the first permanent English settlement in America.

H. Edward Mann, executive director of the federal Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission, said the exact date or dates of the visit have not yet been set. He said officials hope the royal couple will visit both the original fort site on Jamestown Island and the state-run Jamestown Settlement history museum that was built nearby as a venue for the 350th anniversary in 1957.

Queen Elizabeth, now 80, made a visit for the 1957 event.

"We're thrilled and excited," said Mann, whose commission oversaw the invitation process. "We're looking forward to what will be an extremely important visit."