This week, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, embarked on a poignant journey to Malta, retracing the romantic footsteps of his parents, the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Their visit, which spans four days, commemorates the 60th anniversary of Malta’s independence while celebrating the enduring ties between the island nation and the United Kingdom.
The couple’s emotional pilgrimage took them to Villa Guardamanja in Valletta, a residence that holds cherished memories for the royal family.
It was here that the then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived as newlyweds from 1949 to 1951, during Philip’s service with the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean fleet.
Biographer Ben Pimlott described this period as “the most normal” of Elizabeth’s life, a time filled with personal joy away from the public eye.
In a historic moment, Edward and Sophie became the first royal family members to return to Villa Guardamanja since 1951.
They explored the villa, which is currently undergoing renovations by the Maltese government, and even recreated a famous photograph of the young couple on its rooftop—a touching tribute to their family’s legacy.
Accompanying them on this nostalgic tour was Elizabeth Polly, whose mother, Jessie, served as the housekeeper at the villa during the royal couple’s stay.
Edward reminisced about how much his mother cherished Jessie, stating, “Your mother was very popular.
I know my mother spotted her in the crowd several times during her visit to Malta, and she never forgot her.”
During their visit, a small crowd gathered outside the villa, some attendees eager to catch a glimpse of the royals while others came to pay their respects to the late Queen.
This gathering highlighted the profound connection the people of Malta feel towards the British monarchy, particularly regarding Elizabeth, who once called the island home.
Malta holds a special place in the heart of the British royal family, as it was the only location outside the UK where Queen Elizabeth lived for an extended period.
Locals take pride in this unique history, which adds a layer of warmth and nostalgia to the royal visit.
The villa itself has seen better days; originally rented by Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Philip’s uncle, it fell into disrepair over the years.
However, in 2020, the Government of Malta acquired the property and entrusted Heritage Malta with a significant refurbishment project estimated to cost over $10 million.
Plans for the renovated site include showcasing the royal couple’s experiences in Malta, ensuring their legacy remains alive for future generations.
Pimlott’s 2012 biography reflected on the significance of Malta to Queen Elizabeth, describing it as a sanctuary of relative privacy and a break from her official responsibilities.
During this idyllic time, she embraced her role as a supportive wife and mother, nurturing her son, the future King Charles, in the royal nursery.
The villa also holds personal milestones for the royals; it was within its walls that Princess Elizabeth announced her pregnancy with Princess Anne in April 1950.
Just a few months later, she returned to London to welcome her daughter, marking a new chapter in her life.
As the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh continue their visit, they not only pay homage to the past but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Malta and the UK.