Prince, thousands dazzled as fireworks display light up Grand Harbour [Slideshow]

Prince WIlliam, the Duke of Cambridge, describes Malta as a 'beautiful country', delivers Queen Elizabeth II's message on  Malta's landmark anniversary of fifty years of independence.

Prince William arrives at Upper Barakka Gardens together with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife Michelle. Photo: Chris Mangion/MediaToday.
Prince William arrives at Upper Barakka Gardens together with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife Michelle. Photo: Chris Mangion/MediaToday.

Thousands watched as the Grand Harbour was lit up with fireworks and a light display that dazzled guest of honour Prince William, and several Maltese dignitaries including President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil.

The guest of honour was following in his grandfather’s footsteps and representing Queen Elizabeth II in celebrating Malta’s 50th anniversary since gaining political independence in 1964.

At about 8pm, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, attended a reception at the Upper Barakka Gardens in Valletta where he unveiled a plaque. He then watched the Grand Harbour Spectacle which included an aeronautical display and fireworks display.

In a short speech from the Upper Barakka at the start of the event, the Duke of Cambridge congratulated Malta and its people for their achievements over its fifty years of independence.

All photos by Chris Mangion
All photos by Chris Mangion
Prince William arrives at Barakka Gardens
Prince William arrives at Barakka Gardens

While expressing his gratitude at Malta’s “warm welcome,” the Prince said he was honoured to convey the Queen’s message of congratulations on the occasion of Malta’s landmark anniversary.

In her message, Queen Elizabeth II spoke of her “fond memories of Malta, first as a young married couple when we lived in Malta, and then again when we returned at the time of our 60th wedding anniversary in 2007.”

“Over the years we have seen Malta grow and develop into the confident and proud nation we see today. I send my warmest good wishes to you for your celebrations this week, and for the continued success and prosperity of Malta in the future,” the Queen’s official message said.

The Prince also expressed his wife’s regret as not being able to visit Malta – saying that she that she was looking forward to coming here, and that she intends on visiting Malta in the future.

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was to be Malta’s guest of honour and the Crown’s representative, but had to cancel her visit because of morning sickness due to her second pregnancy.

This morning, Prince William – together with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca – will proceed to a pontifical mass at St John’s Cathedral.

In the afternoon, the Prince will pay a visit to the Access Centre in Vittoriosa before attending a folklore presentation. The guest of honour of Malta’s golden jubilee presentation will also be taken on a boat tour of the Grand Harbour

The final event on the Prince’s schedule is a garden party at the High Commissioner’s residence in Naxxar.