The sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II has left societies grieving both in the United Kingdom and beyond. After a 70-year-long reign, the U.K.’s longest-serving monarch passed away peacefully, aged 96, at Balmoral, where she spent much of the summer. She will be remembered for her grace, loyalty and lifelong devotion to her throne and her people.
As a nation, Malta is honoured to have been a place where Queen Elizabeth II created happy memories during the years in which she resided at Villa Guardamangia, Pieta, with her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In fact, many mourners have placed flowers at the former home of the then Princess, who spent several months living there between 1949 and 1951 as a young naval wife. During this period, Prince Philip was serving on the board of HMS Magpie.
“Visiting Malta is always very special for me… I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married.”
After coming to the throne in 1952, Queen Elizabeth also remained head of state of Malta until the island became a republic in 1974. The monarchy is deeply respected among the local population and the Queen was always greeted with warmth and hospitality during her visits to the island throughout her life.
During a Commonwealth meeting held in Malta in 2015, her last visit to the island, the Queen said: “Visiting Malta is always very special for me… I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married.”
Flowers left at the door of Villa Guardamangia by mourners
Villa Guardamangia is currently being restored by Heritage Malta and will be re-opened as a museum in honour of the late Queen and her husband.
Rest in Peace, Your Majesty.
-Warren
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Remembering Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1921 -2021) and his Connection to Malta.
