Queen Elizabeth praises De Marco: 'a statesman who made Malta what it was today'

Although both messages were sent to Abela on Friday, only one day after de Marco’s death, they were only published by the DOI today, four days later.

In her message to Abela, the Queen explained how she knew that the deceased former President was “respected by the Maltese people and that he also cared very much about the UK and Commonwealth”.

“I had the pleasure of meeting de Marco on my visits to Malta and I know that he was admired as a statesman and a politician who was fundamental in making Malta what she is today,” the Queen was quoted as saying to Abela.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Malta,” she concluded her message to Abela.

On her part, UK High Commissioner to Malta Louise Stanton in her message to Abela described de Marco as “not only a foundation stone of modern Malta, but also contributed significantly to the EU and the United Nations”.

She told Abela how she was “honoured and privileged” to have got to know him, and that she would “always cherish” the memories of the “witty but intellectual discussions that we had”.

“On Thursday, Maltalost a great statesman, a wise counsel, and a charming Maltese patriot,” she concluded her message to Abela.