As many Royal enthusiasts know, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh have visited our lovely island on many occasions throughout their time as a married couple. But did you know that between the late 1940s and early 50s the then-princess also spent chunks of time living in Malta?

In 1939, at age 18, Prince Philip joined the British Royal Navy, and in 1949, just two years after the couple were married, he was stationed in Malta as a first lieutenant on the HMS Chequers destroyer. Throughout his time in Malta, the young Elizabeth visited him on many occasions…

And like many of her visits to our island, the then-princess was greeted with great style!

This charming photo captures the joyous moment of a young girl, who had the grand honour to present the now-Queen with a bouquet of flowers on her arrival. The child is said to have been the daughter of the C.O. of the Luqa Royal Air Force. We bet it’s a moment she’s never forgotten!

And since the royal couple spent a lot of time on the island, they made the grand Villa Guardamangia in the town of Pietà their home!

This portrait of the happy couple was likely taken at this grand villa, which was initially acquired by Earl Mountbatten of Burma in 1929. The home is considered to be the Royal family’s only residence outside of the United Kingdom! Talk about Maltese pride…

It is said that the then-Princess Elizabeth had a grand time in Malta. She even had a few visitors while living here, including her younger sister, Princess Margaret, featured below.

And here they are at a Navy Ball! Judging by the pearls and the hairstyle, we suggest that this picture was taken on the same night as the above. The Queen and the Duke are dressed to impress, dancing the night away!

When Elizabeth was crowned Queen in 1952, after the death of her father King George VI, Prince Philip left active military service. While Elizabeth continued to pay various visits to Malta as Queen, it is said that her time living in Malta as a young princess was some of the happiest days of her life!

Despite the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Malta will always be a special place for the Royal Family, with King Charles having visited the islands many times as a young boy with his parents and also in recent years.

Without a doubt, the majesty’s visits to our lovely island will always be remembered!