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Home away from UK: Queen Elizabeth II’s history with Malta

Home away from UK: Queen Elizabeth II’s history with Malta
Sep 9 2022 Share

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning UK monarch, had a very special connection with the island of Malta, visiting a total of six times throughout her life. 

Becoming Queen on February 6th 1952 following the death of her father King George VI, she went on to hold the throne for 70 years. Malta also happens to be the only place outside of the UK the Queen called home. 

Her bond with the Mediterranean island however began well before she was head of the Commonwealth. She lived the early years of her marriage to Prince Philip on the island between 1949 and 1951. Her husband was stationed here as a naval officer and died last year at the age of 99.

The couple flew to Malta as part of their Commonwealth world tour in May of 1954 and again inn 1967 when Malta was an independent state. 

 

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The second time around was Queen Elizabeth’s second state visit as the monarch, marking the first time independent Malta welcomed the queen. 

During a Christmas broadcast, Elizabeth made reference to Malta and her trip there, referring to the transition from a colony to independence. 

“This is the opening of a new and challenging chapter for the people of Malta and they are entering it with determination and enthusiasm.”

She went on to visit in 1992, visiting San Anton Gardens and inspecting the ceremonial spade which has been used since 1901. She did not visit until anther 13 years, flying to Malta in 2005 and then 2007 when Eddie Fenech Adami was president of Malta. 

Her last visit to Malta came in 2015, when Marie Louise Coleiro Preca was president. She was 89 years old this time around, travelling with Prince Philip. 

“London Bridge is down” – What happens now?

"London Bridge is down" - What happens now?
Sep 8 2022 Share

Operation Unicorn will overtake the UK’s agenda for days and play out potentially for months before the coronation of a new monarch.

At the time of the Queen’s death, Sir Edward Young, her private secretary, called the Prime Minister and said “London Bridge is down.” What happens now? 👉🏻

– The Queen’s successor, Prince Charles, takes over immediately.

The Queen’s successor, Prince Charles, takes over immediately.

TOBY MELVILLE – WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES

– The Queen’s funeral will take place 10 days after her death.

The Queen’s funeral will take place 10 days after her death.

Colin Davey / Getty

– The Queen’s funeral is expected to be watched by more than 2.5 billion people.

– The Queen’s funeral is expected to be watched by more than 2.5 billion people.

Getty

– Following the funeral, it could take over a year for Prince Charles’ coronation, because it’s seen as bad taste to do it too quickly.

Following the funeral, it could take over a year for Prince Charles’ coronation, because it’s seen as bad taste to do it too quickly.

Getty

– The national anthem will be immediately changed to “God Save the King”.

The national anthem will be immediately changed to “God Save the King”.

Getty

– Queen’s death include a suspension of all comedy programmes across all BBC channels until after the funeral.

Queen’s death include a suspension of all comedy programmes across all BBC channels until after the funeral.

Mr.Bean

– The phasing out of the Queen’s face from currency and postal stamps will begin almost immediately.

The phasing out of the Queen’s face from currency and postal stamps will begin almost immediately.

Bank of England: Polymer Notes

#MaltaDaily

Prince Charles becomes King of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales

Prince Charles becomes King of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales
Sep 8 2022 Share

Queen Elizabeth II has died at 96, the palace confirms. The queen took the throne in 1953 at the age of 27. She was the second-longest serving sovereign in world history.

Her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, 73, immediately became king upon her death.

The palace released the following statement:

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Charles will now become King of Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, and is expected to address the nation in a live broadcast soon.

#MaltaDaily

BREAKING: Buckingham Palace announce the death of Queen Elizabeth II

BREAKING: Buckingham Palace announce the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Sep 8 2022 Share

Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom, has died at the age of 96, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Queen Elizabeth II marked seven decades on the throne earlier this year. She had increasingly handed over duties to Prince Charles and other members of the royal family in recent months. Back in April of last year she lost Prince Philip, her husband of more than 70 years — who died just two months short of his 100th birthday.

Earlier today Buckingham Palace announced that: “Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral.”

Soon after the official statement from Buckingham Palace, the Royal Family gathered by the monarch’s side as doctors kept her under supervision until her death was announced just a couple of moments ago.

In an official statement, Buckingham Palace said:

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

70 years. 15 Prime Ministers. 1 Queen. RIP Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

#MaltaDaily