HONOURING THE LATE QUEEN AND PRINCE PHILIP THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH ENJOY A NOSTALGIC AND CELEBRATORY VISIT TO MALTA

Malta holds special memories for the royal family, as the young Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived there between 1949 and 1951

- DANIELLE STACEY

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh retraced the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip as they paid a celebratory visit to Malta last week.

Prince Edward, 60, and Sophie, 59, marked the 60th anniversary of Malta's independence from the British Empire during the four-day trip, paying tribute to the country's armed forces and its shared heritage with the UK.

Malta holds special memories for the royal family, as the young Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived there between 1949 and 1951 while the Prince was stationed in the country as a serving Royal Navy officer.

Arriving in Valletta, Edward and Sophie were greeted by cheers as they met the island country's Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife Lydia at the Auberge de Castille.

As they posed for photographs, there was a light-hearted moment as Sophie and Lydia, matching in pink dresses, apologised for being too busy chatting.

Earlier in the day, the Duke and Duchess met the president of the Republic of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, and her husband Anthony at the Grandmaster's Palace.

WARM WELCOME

Edward shook hands with Myriam, saying: "Your Excellency, thank you. It's lovely to be here." After another photo opportunity, Edward restarted their conversation, joking: "They'll just keep taking pictures."

The couple's first night ended with drinks and canapes at a reception hosted at the residence of British high commissioner Cathy Ward, with Sophie elegant in a fitted black and red floral dress by Erdem.

Welcoming the pair, Cathy said it was an "honour" to host them, and dedicated the event "to peace" in a short address.