Malta always felt like a second home to the King.
With the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II last September, King Charles III has now ascended to the British throne with his coronation officially set to happen later today.
Queen Elizabeth had a very special relationship with Malta, and together with her husband Prince Philip, she lived here between 1949-1951 when she was still a princess. He was stationed on the island as a naval officer in the Mediterranean Fleet. Here they spent some of happiest times of their lives.
However, King Charles first visit to Malta was during the Royal Commonwealth Tour of 1954 where he could be seen sweetly holding Princess Anne’s hand before reuniting with their parents.
Here, he also visited the Marsa Ground to watch a Polo match and even went on a picnic by the sea with Lord Mountbatten and his wife Edwina.
The King was a regular visitor to our islands and adored the country very much.
One of his most notable trips was when he visited Malta for a few days in 1969 together with his sister. In the photos below the royal siblings could be seen causally strolling through Valletta’s main streets, just like any other tourist.
He even was spotted going round on Maltese waters in a speed boat during this visit.
He visited again in November 1969 to attend the celebrations of the 200-year anniversary since the University of Malta was founded.
In this photo below one can see the young prince in front of the University Library as he inaugurates a new building.
During his speech he expressed his joy in returning to Malta as it always feels like he’s returning to his other home.
King Charles, together with Queen Elizabeth visited the islands once again in 2015 where he spoke about the importance of a sustainable future at the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting.
His Majesty’s next visit was less than two years after as he graced the Maltese islands again in October 2017 to attend the 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the awarding of the George Cross.
On top of that, during his 2017 visit he safely released a turtle back to it habitat at Golden Bay.
Will we see another visit to Malta from King Charles III?
Facebook/The Royal Family & Facebook/Charles, King of the United Kingdom & Facebook/JoeZahra via Malta Today-DOI- August/December 1969