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 in 1951.

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. In fact, between 1949 and 1951, they resided at Villa Guardamangia in Pieta, Malta. 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?