The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh took a very poignant photo when they visited a meaningful home on Malta.
The Duke and Duchess arrived in Malta on Monday for a four day trip. The trip is celebrating Malta’s 60th anniversary as an independent nation and honouring Maltese contributions and bravery during the Second World War.
After being welcomed by the Maltese President, Maltese Prime Minister, and British High Commissioner on Monday, the couple attended a ceremony in Valletta Harbour where they honoured Maltese wartime contributions.
On Wednesday, they visited Villa Guardamangia and recreated an historic photo.
Princess Elizabeth (future Queen Elizabeth II) and the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Philip) lived in the home from 1949 to 1951 when Philip was stationed there during his Royal Navy career. Her Majesty continued to speak fondly of her time living there and said that it was one of the only times that she felt “normal”.
Queen Elizabeth visited the Italian-style villa in 1992 when she visited Malta, and again in 2007 when she and Prince Philip were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. She was however refused a visit in 2015, as the owners felt that it was in too great a state of disrepair.
The home is being restored once again, and The Duke and Duchess were able to tour the project.
