For the first time ever, on Sunday 19th December, Heritage Malta will be opening the doors of Villa Guardamangia to the general public.

This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for history lovers to experience first hand Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the Royal Family’s living quarters in Malta.

Visitors will get to view the former royal dwelling in its current state, that is, before the much-needed renovation works commence later next year.

Guided tours will be held all throughout the day on a first come, first serve basis. The villa, which is not wheelchair accessible, will be open from 10am to 4pm.

Heritage Malta is encouraging anyone who has any memories or items which are in any way linked to the Royals’ stay in Malta between 1949 and 1951 to attend the event and bring them along.

Such memories or objects will be recorded or scanned to be shared with the public once restoration work is finished.

If you have a story, old photo, footage or any other object you would like to share regarding Villa Guardamangia or the Royal Family’s connection to Malta, send an email to Heritage Malta on [email protected] or call 22954301.

And now, here’s a little history about Villa Guardamangia…

It was built around the mid-18th century but became more popularly associated with the Royal Family after it served as residence to then Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, when he was stationed in Malta as an officer of the Royal Navy from 1949 until 1951.

Villa Guardamangia has retained a special place in the heart of Her Majesty as she famously and fondly described it as ‘home’.

The villa itself has an impressive area of around 1,500 square metres which includes 18 rooms, stables, a large garden, wells, a war shelter/bunker and other facilities.

Do you plan on visiting?