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    Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, are making a special stop on their trip to Malta

    Edward and Sophie of Edinburgh in Malta.
    Edward and Sophie of Edinburgh in Malta. (agency)

    Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, are currently on an official trip to Malta, a destination that has a deeply sentimental connection for the British royal family, especially for the late Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, who held the title of Duke of Edinburgh during his lifetime.

    Elizabeth II and Philip’s history in Malta dates back to their early years of marriage when they resided on the island between 1949 and 1951.

    During this time, Prince Philip was stationed in the British Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet.

    Edward and Sophie of Edinburgh in Malta » Edward of Edinburgh
    Queen Elizabeth II in Malta with Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. (agency)

    For the Queen, Malta was not only a temporary place of residence but the only home she had outside the United Kingdom, a fact that is a source of pride for the Maltese people.

    Although Malta held a special place in her heart, the Queen’s last visit to the island was in 2015, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    This year, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh traveled to Malta to commemorate the country’s 60th anniversary of independence and celebrate its shared heritage and continued partnership with the United Kingdom.

    Edward and Sophie of Edinburgh in Malta » Edward of Edinburgh
    Edward and Sophie of Edinburgh in Malta. (agency)

    The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in Malta

    During their four-day stay in Malta, Sophie and Edward made a significant stop at Villa Guardamangia, located in Valletta.

    This villa, which has six bedrooms and three bathrooms, was home to Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their stay on the island.

    Edward and Sophie of Edinburgh in Malta » Edward of Edinburgh
    Edward and Sophie of Edinburgh in Malta. (agency)

    The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh became the first members of the royal family to visit Villa Guardamangia since 1951, the Telegraph reported.

    On their tour of the mansion, the couple were able to observe the renovations being carried out by the Maltese government, which acquired the villa and entrusted it to Heritage Malta for restoration.

    Edward and Sophie of Edinburgh in Malta » Edward of Edinburgh
    Edward and Sophie of Edinburgh in Malta. (agency)

    During their visit to the villa, the Duke and Duchess recreated an iconic image of Elizabeth and Philip on the roof of the house, a moment that was enthusiastically received by many Maltese who gathered to witness the visit.

    Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie’s trip to Malta not only celebrates the country’s independence but also recognizes the royal family’s historical and emotional attachment to the island.

    The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visited Malta
    Duchess wears Erdem floral print skirt. (Agency)

    This event reinforces the importance of Malta in the history of the British monarchy and how relationships between nations can convey warm memories and a valuable cultural legacy.