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Prince & Princess of Wales

Kate's visit to Malta confirmed by Palace

<![CDATA[large_8074015076The Duchess of Cambridge will visit Malta on 20th and 21st September this year at the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Malta’s independence, the Palace has announced.
In her first solo overseas tour, Kate will visit the island – which gained independence from the United Kingdom on 21st September 1964 – on behalf of The Queen who last visited in 2007.
Kate’s Malta visit was first reported in local press from the island a few weeks ago, though palace confirmation only came today.
Prince William won’t be joining Kate on her trip as he will have started his new public service job by then, rumoured to be with East Anglia Air Ambulance. An official announcement on the matter will be made by the Palace in the next few weeks.
Malta occupies a special place in the Royal Family as it was where the then Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (Prince Philip and The Queen) first lived after marrying in 1947 after Prince Philip was posted there during his time as a Naval officer. Royal historians note this was one of the most normal times in The Queen’s life as she lived as an ordinary naval officer’s wife on the island and joined in with local life.
The visit is the latest overseas visit for the Duchess of Cambridge who recently embarked on a tour of New Zealand and Australia with Prince William and soon to be one-year-old son Prince George in April. Since marrying in 2011, the Duchess has visited several other Commonwealth countries including Canada shortly after her wedding and a tour as part of celebrations for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 when she visited Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.
During the two-day visit, Kate will undertake several engagements connected with the island as well as celebrations on the second day (21st) which is Malta’s independence day.
The palace say further details about the visit will be announced closer to the time.
photo credit: schultzstm via photopin cc]]>