The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie, embarked on a poignant journey through history during their visit to Malta, touring Villa Guardamangia, the former residence of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Sky News reports.
The six-bedroom mansion, located on the outskirts of Valletta, held special significance for the late Queen. She and Prince Philip resided there between 1949 and 1951 while he served as a Royal Navy officer, a period before the death of King George VI and Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne.
The Duke and Duchess were guided through the villa, learning about ongoing restoration efforts aimed at preserving this important piece of royal history. During the tour, they met with Elizabeth Pule, whose mother Jessie served as the Queen’s housekeeper. Edward shared a heartwarming anecdote with Ms. Pule, revealing that his mother had spotted Ms. Pule’s mother in a crowd during a royal visit and never forgot her.
The visit was marked by special moments, including a private reflection at the top of the garden near a derelict fountain and the ringing of bells by a local priest in honor of the royal couple.
The Duke and Duchess even recreated a famous photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on the villa’s roof, capturing a nostalgic connection to the past.
Speaking after the tour, Giancarlo Azzopardi, assistant curator at Heritage Malta, highlighted the deep “attachment” between the villa and the Royal Family. The Maltese government acquired the property in 2019, recognizing its historical importance. Following a £8.4 million grant, the villa is undergoing restoration with the aim of transforming it into a 1950s-themed tourist attraction by 2030 or 2031.
This visit serves as a poignant reminder of the Queen’s fond memories of her time in Malta, a place she described as “very special” for her.
