In a deeply moving royal visit, Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, touched down in Malta to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the island nation’s independence.
This journey is not merely ceremonial; it resonates with personal significance as it retraces the steps of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who once called Malta their home.
Over the course of four days, the couple will explore the intertwined histories of Malta and the United Kingdom, weaving together family memories with a broader narrative of unity and heritage.
On October 7, the couple was warmly welcomed by local dignitaries, including Prime Minister Robert Abella and President Miriam Spiteri de Bono.
Their first stop was Villa Guatemangia, a residence that holds a special place in royal history.
This villa served as the home for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip from 1949 to 1951, during a time when Prince Philip was stationed in Malta with the Royal Navy.
It was a rare moment of peace and normalcy for the couple, far removed from the public eye.
The significance of this visit is underscored by the emotional connection the royal family has to Villa Guatemangia.
Queen Elizabeth fondly recalled this period as one of her happiest, encapsulating a time when she enjoyed a semblance of an ordinary life.
Remarkably, this marks the first time a member of the royal family has visited the villa since 1951.
Currently undergoing renovations, the mansion is being restored by the Maltese government, with plans to preserve its historical essence.
During their visit, the Duke and Duchess even recreated a famous photograph of the late royals taken on the villa’s rooftop, a touching tribute to their predecessors.
They also met Elizabeth Puell, whose mother, Jessie, worked as a domestic for the royal couple during their stay in Malta.
Prince Edward reminisced about his mother’s fondness for Jessie, highlighting how Queen Elizabeth never forgot her, often spotting her in the crowd during her subsequent visits.
As the couple explored the villa, they reflected on their family’s rich history and paid homage to the enduring ties between Malta and the UK.
The restoration of Villa Guatemangia, estimated at over $10 million, aims to honor the legacy of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, particularly focusing on their experiences while living in Malta—a unique chapter in the Queen’s life, as it was her only residence outside the UK.
This visit wasn’t solely about nostalgia; it also included various official engagements.
The couple participated in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor those who lost their lives during World War II, met members of the Malta UK Veterans Association, and visited the headquarters of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, a program founded by Prince Philip and now overseen by Prince Edward.
Each engagement underscores their commitment to fostering Commonwealth values and strengthening international relations.
The historical bond between Malta and the UK, shaped by Malta’s strategic significance and colonial past, was further highlighted during their tour.
As discussions about streamlining the royal family circulate, Prince Edward and Sophie’s presence serves as a reminder of their dedication to royal duties, regardless of the evolving landscape of the monarchy.
Lady Pamela Hicks, a former lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, recently suggested that the monarchy might benefit from focusing on a smaller core group of royals, which seems to inadvertently sideline the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Yet, despite this sentiment, both Prince Edward and Sophie remain among the most active members of the royal family.
Prince Edward’s royal calendar is packed, with 297 engagements already logged in 2023, placing him third among royal family members, behind Princess Anne and King Charles III.
Meanwhile, Sophie has ramped up her public appearances significantly, completing 37 engagements in September alone, compared to just 18 during the same month the previous year.
While some senior royals, including the Princess of Wales, have scaled back their public commitments—possibly due to personal health challenges—Prince Edward and Sophie continue to play pivotal roles in supporting the monarchy’s responsibilities.
As the new Duke of Edinburgh, Edward embraces the legacy of service and charitable engagement that accompanies his title, all while navigating the changing dynamics of royal duties.
As King Charles III envisions a more streamlined royal family, the contributions of Edward and Sophie remain vital.
Their recent journey to Malta is not just a walk down memory lane; it’s a reaffirmation of their commitment to public service and the monarchy’s global responsibilities.
Their efforts to strengthen ties with Malta exemplify their role as dedicated representatives of the crown, ensuring their place as valued members of the royal family.