In a heartfelt homage to the past, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, have embarked on a significant journey to Malta, retracing the steps of his late parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
This four-day visit commemorates the 60th anniversary of Malta’s independence, celebrating the deep-rooted connections between the island nation and the United Kingdom.
The couple’s trip is steeped in nostalgia, as they visited Villa Guardamanja in Valletta, the very place where the young Queen and her husband lived during his service with the Royal Navy from 1949 to 1951.
According to biographer Ben Pimlott, this period was described as one of the most ordinary times in the Queen’s life, a rare moment of respite from royal duties.
It was here that Prince Edward and Sophie became the first members of the royal family to step foot in the villa since it was vacated over seven decades ago.
During their visit, the Duke and Duchess recreated an iconic photograph taken on the villa’s rooftop, capturing a moment that resonates with both history and personal significance.
They were joined by Elizabeth Puel, whose mother, Jessie, served as a housekeeper at the villa during the royal couple’s stay.
Edward fondly recalled how the late Queen always remembered Jessie’s kindness, highlighting the personal connections that endure through time.
As the royal couple toured the villa, a small crowd gathered outside, some snapping pictures while others paid their respects to the late Queen.
For many locals, Malta holds a special place in their hearts as the only residence outside the UK that Queen Elizabeth ever called home.
This connection to the island is a source of pride for its citizens, who cherish their historical ties to the monarchy.
Originally rented by Prince Philip’s uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten, Villa Guardamanja fell into disrepair over the years.
However, the Maltese government acquired the property in 2020 and initiated a substantial renovation project estimated to cost around $10 million.
Once completed, the villa will serve as a tribute to the royal couple’s time in Malta, showcasing their experiences and the warmth of their relationship with the island.
The significance of Malta in Queen Elizabeth’s life cannot be overstated.
As Pimlott noted in his 2012 biography, the island provided a rare sanctuary of privacy and freedom from official responsibilities.
It was during this time that she embraced her role as a devoted wife, even while managing the complexities of royal life, including leaving her young son, the future King Charles, behind in the UK during the holiday season.
In April 1950, while living in Malta, the then-Duchess of Edinburgh announced her pregnancy with Princess Anne, returning to London later that summer to give birth.
This chapter of her life was a poignant reminder of the personal joys that accompanied her royal duties, before her world changed forever when she ascended to the throne at just 25 years old in 1952.
Throughout her reign, Malta remained close to Queen Elizabeth’s heart; she visited several times over the years, with her final trip occurring in 2015 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
Each return was a testament to the lasting bond she shared with the island, which played a crucial role in shaping her early years as a royal.
Prince Edward and Sophie’s visit to Malta has not been limited to the villa.
They were warmly greeted by President Miriam Spiteri di Bono upon their arrival on October 7.
Their itinerary also included laying a wreath in honor of those who lost their lives during World War II and engaging with members of the Maltese UK Veterans Association.
Additionally, they made a stop at the new local headquarters for the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards, further emphasizing their commitment to fostering connections and supporting initiatives that resonate with the community.
As they navigate through this rich tapestry of history and heritage, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh continue to strengthen the ties that bind Malta and the United Kingdom.
