Royal Visits and Hidden Villas, When Queens Came to Malta

LocalAugust 29, 2025

Let’s tiptoe into a secret chapter of Malta’s past, where queens lived like locals, royal couples hid in cosy villas—and some places even became museums!

A Queen’s Hidden Home Away from Home

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II once lived in Malta—and even called it home? Back when she was still Princess Elizabeth, she stayed at Villa Guardamangia in Pietà between 1949 and 1951, while Prince Philip served in the Royal Navy. This was the only home she ever lived in outside of Britain. She loved how normal life felt there, away from royal duties!From Felled Love Nest to Forgotten Villa

Villa Guardamangia is a beautiful 18th-century villa—complete with bedrooms, stables, a garden, and even a secret war shelter. At one point, Peter Mountbatten’s uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten, rented it, and the royal couple later lived there.

A Royal Reminder Through Time

Even after she became Queen, Elizabeth returned to the villa in 1992—a heartfelt visit to a place filled with memories. More recently, in 2024, Prince Edward and Sophie became the first royals to revisit the villa since 1951. They walked back through the same rooms and gardens, even recreating photos of the young royal couple!

A Future Museum of Royal Memories

Today, Villa Guardamangia is being lovingly restored by Heritage Malta. The goal is to turn it into a museum that tells the story of its royal residents and Malta’s connection to the crown.