Queen Elizabeth left Malta yesterday afternoon at the end of her two-day State Visit that coincided with the hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
One of the Her Majesty’s final engagements was a boat trip around Grand Harbour, and, it is understood, she had personally asked to land at Customs Wharf – the same spot where her father King George VI had landed in 1943 to present the George Cross to Malta.
During some of the darkest days of the Second World War, King George VI embarked on a secret mission to Malta to award the island the George Cross for its bravery in holding out against a siege by the Axis powers.
Seventy-two years on, the Queen made a pilgrimage to the exact spot where her father landed. A plaque marking King George's visit, which was moved some years ago to a museum, had been re-installed at Customs House so the Queen could see it.
The plaque reads: "His Majesty King George VI landed here from HMS Aurora on 20th June 1943 shortly after the raising of the siege”.
‘Malta is always very special for me’
The Queen had a busy morning yesterday before her departure. She and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Heritage Malta in Kalkara, where they watched restoration work being carried out on historically significant paintings, books and textiles and watched a display of Maltese culture.
In a short address, the Queen said: “Malta is always very special for me. I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married, and the wonderful official visits over the past 60 years.
“Since my first experience of Malta in 1949 as a young woman, I have seen this country evolve into a strong nation which plays an important role on the world stage. When Prince Philip and I returned in November 2007 at the time of our Diamond Wedding Anniversary, we could not help but be impressed by the progress and the sense of optimism.
“At the same time you have retained your unique character and powerful national identity. With each visit here I am reminded why Malta was awarded the George Cross in 1942 by my father, King George VI, for her valour – the first and only time it has been awarded to a country rather than an individual.
“Here today we have seen fine examples of your valiant past being preserved and your preparation for the future. I have no doubt that Malta will continue to thrive with its cultural diversity and historical perspective, coupled with a modern outlook.
“I thank you sincerely for being such attentive hosts these past few days and for welcoming Prince Philip and me, once again, so warmly.”
The Queen and the Duke then left by boat to cross Grand Harbour for the final engagement of the State Visit at the Marsa Racecourse, home to the Malta Racing Club and the Malta Polo Club.
The harbour trip was nearly cancelled because of the bad weather but the conditions improved overnight and the trip took place as scheduled.
A luzzu carrying the Queen and Prince Philip left Kalkara Creek and headed towards HMS Bulwark – the Royal Navy's flagship – which is currently berthed at Pinto Wharf. The Bulwark was decorated with colourful signalling flags hanging all along its length, and the captain and senior officers stood to attention on the dock gate under British flags as the royals docked in the harbour next to them.
A 21-gun salute was fired from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Royal Navy sailors lining the deck of the British warship took off their white caps, holding them aloft, and cheered the Queen three times with a “hip hip hooray”.
Security in Grand Harbour was tight, with no less than eight Armed Forces of Malta vessels patrolling its waters, a helicopter flying overhead and snipers positioned in several places.
The Queen could be seen holding on to her hat with one hand and peering around at the view as the boat crossed the harbour. There were about 15 people on board with the Queen and Prince Philip, including their private secretaries and Maltese officials.
Once safely back on terra firma, the Queen was presented with a posy by Natalia Galea, 33, who was wearing the five gold medals she won as a gymnast in the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles earlier this year.
The Queen then unveiled a bronze plaque in the ground to mark a new location on Malta's Commonwealth walkway, which circles the island marking places of interest and criss-crosses it in the shape of a George Cross.