The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh paid homage to the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip by recreating an iconic photograph taken over 70 years ago at their Maltese villa, where they lived as newlyweds.
On Wednesday, Prince Edward and Sophie visited Villa Guardamangia and learned about the restoration efforts at the former residence of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their early married years.
Malta holds cherished memories for the royal family, as Elizabeth and Philip resided there from 1949 to 1951 while Prince Philip served as a Royal Navy officer in the country.
At 60, Edward, who was named the Duke of Edinburgh last year, looked dapper in a grey checked suit paired with a red patterned tie that complemented the florals on Sophie’s skirt. In a subtle tribute, Sophie wore a white blouse with a box-pleated midi skirt, reminiscent of the outfit her late mother-in-law wore in the 1949 photo.
During their visit, the couple met Elizabeth Pule, whose mother, Jessie, served as a housekeeper for the late Queen and Philip while they lived at the villa on the outskirts of Valletta. Edward shared, “I know that my mother spotted your mother in a crowd when she came on a visit. She never forgot her.”
They toured the house, which included an exhibition of photos of the late Queen and Prince Philip displayed in the garden. Edward’s older siblings, Charles and Anne, also spent time in Malta with their parents when they were infants.
The Duke and Duchess are in Malta for a four-day visit to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.
On Monday evening, they attended a reception at the British high commissioner’s residence, where Sophie dazzled in a fitted black and red floral dress. On Tuesday, they received a historical tour of key Second World War sites at the Grand Harbour and met with veterans.
