Queen Elizabeth travels to her ‘beloved’ Malta for what could be her last CHOGM

Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall land in Malta today for a two-day stay in Malta.

This may be the Queen’s last presence during a Commonwealth summit, following the Queen’s decision to avoid long-haul travel. She is 89.

The Queen’s return to Malta, once a British colony before it became a Republic in 1974, also marks a return to an island where the monarch reportedly “spent her happiest years a carefree princess” between 1949 and 1951.

At the time, Prince Philip was stationed on the island as a naval officer and she had been encouraged to join him on the island. The couple lived at Villa Guardamangia – a now derelict building. The government had initiated the expropriation process to transfer ownership of the residence in order to begin restoration works.

According to British High Commissioner to Malta Rob Luke, the Royal Family had an "enduring affection" for Malta.

Indeed, a young Elizabeth had spent her days enjoying her freedom before committing to her duties as queen.

On Saturday morning, she will cross to Valletta by boat on board a luzzu, while the British HMS Bulwark assault ship will perform a royal salute as the sovereign sails past.

The Queen and Prince Philip are scheduled to land in Malta shortly before 3:30pm, to be greeted by the Prime Minister.

Due to forecasted adverse weather conditions the ceremonial welcome, has been moved from St George’s Square to San Anton Palace. But according to the High Commission, there will be opportunities for the public to participate in proceedings. In particular, on Saturday there will be an opportunity to wave the Queen off as she leaves Kalkara and again as she arrives at Customs Wharf.

The State Visit, as well as separate engagements undertaken by The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall during the visit, “will strengthen the deep ties” between The Royal Family and Malta.

 Engagements centred on CHOGM will highlight the Commonwealth’s “continued relevance” and reinforce Her Majesty's Commonwealth message from earlier this year when she said: "We are guardians of a precious flame, and it is our duty not only to keep it burning brightly but to keep it replenished for the decades ahead."

This will be the fourth time The Prince of Wales will attend CHOGM, where this year he will launch the Prince’s Trust International and deliver an address to the Commonwealth Business Forum.

Today’s programme:

On arrival at 15.25, Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh will be greeted at Malta International Airport by the Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Muscat.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will have arrived at 15.15 and will depart to follow their own programme.

From Malta International Airport, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will travel to the President’s official residence for the ceremonial welcome by the President of Malta. As part of the ceremony, Her Majesty and The President will inspect a guard of honour.

The Prince of Wales will attend the CHOGM Business Forum and at The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Mdina Glass in Ta'Qali.

On Thursday evening The Queen, accompanied by The Duke, The Prince and The Duchess, will attend a State reception hosted by The President of Malta in her honour in the gardens of San Anton Palace.

The Prince of Wales, President of The Prince's Trust, will later join guests at an evening reception to mark the launch of Prince's Trust International.