It’s widely known that the UK's Queen Elizabeth has a certain fondness for our little islands, having called Malta home between 1949 and 1951 as a newlywed to Prince Philip. She reportedly said she “spent her happiest years as a carefree princess” here, living in Villa Guardamangia, while her husband was stationed here in the navy before she became sovereign.
After returning home to fulfil her duties as queen, Queen Elizabeth visited the Maltese Islands on six other occasions up to this day: 1954, 1967, 1992, 2005, 2007 and lastly in 2015. And during this time 14 years ago, the Queen was on our islands for a short visit.
Her Majesty and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh visited between 23rd and 26th November 2005 by specific invitation by the Maltese Government. They returned on a state visit ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Apart from state visits and CHOGM conferences, the Queen celebrated quite the milestone on our islands almost two years later. On 20th November 2007, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip celebrated their diamond (60th) anniversary here with a one-night stay. Romantic, right?
The Queen has visited Malta strictly during the months of May and November. While 2019 is on its way out, there’s always 2020’s May and November to look forward to for a possible royal visit. We’d definitely bring out all the stops, knowing us!