The Queen is to visit Bermuda in November to commemorate the Island's 400th anniversary, it was announced yesterday.

She will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh on the trip here between November 24 and 26.

The pair will then travel to Trinidad and Tobago, where the Queen will open the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have previously visited Bermuda in 1953, 1975, 1976 and 1994.

Premier Ewart Brown said of the news: "We welcome this announcement and look forward to November."

No details were released yesterday about the itinerary for the Royal visit.

Asked if he would be meeting with the Queen, Dr. Brown a strong advocate for Independence replied: "Government House has advised the programme is a work in progress; no details will be released until it is finalised."

Acting Governor of Bermuda, Mark Capes said: "This is of course a most notable year for Bermuda as we mark the 400th anniversary of settlement. I know that Bermudians at home and overseas will join me in warmly welcoming the announcement today that Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will visit in November to commemorate with Bermuda this special anniversary.'

Opposition Leader Kim Swan believed the Queen's visit could possibly boost tourism on the Island. Mr. Swan said: "I am very pleased that Her Majesty the Queen will visit Bermuda to commemorate our 400th anniversary. It is only fitting the Queen should join with us to celebrate this milestone in our history.

"The visit also represents a major opportunity to attract positive attention to the Island; attention that can be used to attract visitors here from both sides of the Atlantic. It will enable us to showcase our rich heritage, from the Old Town of St. George to the former Royal Navy Dockyard.

"All eyes will be on Bermuda with the Queen here and we need to recognise it as the marketing opportunity it surely is, to raise our profile among American visitors in traditional markets who remain attracted by the Island's British heritage. What an honour and opportunity for our tiny Island home."

News of the visit came after speculation that the planned Royal visit could have been jeopardised by the row between Bermuda and the UK over the arrival of four former Guantánamo Bay detainees on the Island.

The move, spearheaded by Dr. Brown, invoked the wrath of Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Whitehall officials over lack of consultation with the UK.

Press secretary Glenn Jones commented on the Queen's visit last night by adding: "The Premier has warmly welcomed the announcement of the forthcoming Royal visit to Bermuda after weeks of detailed, behind-the-scenes work between Government House and the Cabinet Office. The Premier is looking forward to personally welcoming The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in November in the spirit of hospitality that Bermuda is famous for."

Conchita Ming, chairperson for the Bermuda 2009 Committee, was excited about the upcoming visit and said: "We are thrilled by Her Majesty's decision to return to Bermuda during the 400th anniversary celebrations. Her message to the people of Bermuda was one of the highlights of Anniversary Day and to have her come in person is the icing on the cake and truly shows her support and affection for Bermuda and her people."

Mrs. Ming continued: "It brings the celebrations to a whole new level. Her Majesty's visit is an affirmation of Bermuda's critical role in the development of the New World, on par with Jamestown, Virginia, which received a Royal visit in their 400th year, 2007. The most remarkable thing about this entire year is that the whole community has embraced this anniversary and to have the Monarch come and be a part of it is such a rare and special honour."