The Duke Boutique Hotel in Gozo recently treated history enthusiasts with an interesting throwback photo. The photo features a young HRH Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, later HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, strolling out of The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel.

The late Queen Elizabeth II is known to have spent her best years in Malta. As a Royal Navy officer, Prince Philip was stationed in Malta.

They visited the island on November 3, 1954, during their first official tour of the Commonwealth countries after her coronation in 1953.

This visit was part of their larger tour of Malta, where they had previously lived when Prince Philip was stationed there with the Royal Navy. The Queen, then Princess, describes her time here as a fairytale life on the sunny Mediterranean island.

The couple also celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Malta in 2007.

The Duke Hotel building now houses The Duke Boutique Hotel, preserving its rich heritage. The photo serves as a reminder of the hotel's storied past and its enduring connection to royalty.

As visitors step into the hotel today, they not only experience luxurious accommodation but also walk in the footsteps of royalty, connecting with a bygone era and the timeless charm of Gozo's history.

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth visited Gozo during her time in Malta?