The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are in Malta this week for four days to celebrate its 60th anniversary of Independence. 

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived in Malta on Monday for the beginning of their four day trip. In addition to celebrating Malta’s 60th anniversary as an independent nation, they will also be highlighting the lasting connections between Malta and the United Kingdom. 

On Monday, they met the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, and the British High Commissioner, Cathy Ward. 

One of the major themes of the trip is to honour Malta’s contribution to the Second World War. On Tuesday, The Duke and Duchess attended a ceremony where they cast a wreath into Valletta Harbour to honour the bravery and sacrifices of the Maltese people. 

Prince Edward was also able to visit the new headquarters of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award in Malta. 

Malta is a special place for the British Royal Family. The then-Princess Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh lived in Malta from 1949 to 1951 when The Duke was stationed there with the Royal Navy. 

On Wednesday, The Duke and Duchess will be visiting Villa Guardamangia, the residence where Elizabeth and Philip lived while in Malta.