Queen Elizabeth II famously remarked that her years in Malta were among the best of her life and, coming from the longest reigning monarch in British history, that’s saying something.

However, Malta has more connections to British nobility and a prominent link is through the late Honourable Sir Robert Cavendish Spencer. Born in the late 18th century, Sir Robert belonged to the same noble family in which Lady Diana a.k.a. the Princess of Wales was born into almost 200 years later. That would make him the late princess’s great-great-great-great-great-great-uncle, give or take a couple of ‘greats’.

Many British servicemen’s final resting places are scattered all over Malta, and Sir Robert’s is one of them. His tomb is also situated on Spencer Bastion in Valletta and, although damaged during WWII, it was re-erected. On news of his death, ex-crew members and fellow servicemen joined forces to erect a monument in his name on Corradino Hill, in celebration of a true gentleman both on and off seas. 

Sir Robert was a celebrated Captain with the British Navy and was involved in many conflicts all over the world. Amongst the many ships he served on during his serviceman years, he spent a considerable amount of time on H.M.S. Malta. What is more astounding than his professional achievements are the crew’s accounts of Sir Robert’s leadership skills, with many noting his caring attitude and his head-on approach to military confrontations. This is all reminiscent of Lady Diana’s own personality – looks like good genes are indeed hereditary!

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