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The 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
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