The memorial was erected in honour of the soldiers from the RAF and air force officers from other Commonwealth countries who were lost in battle during the Second World War.

Unfortunately, for some unclear reason, journalists and photographers were only allowed to cover the wreath laying ceremony from far away. Only photographers from the Department of Information and the Princess’ own Royal Photographer were close to the activity.

Somewhat ironically, despite these stringent regulations, a passer-by was left to stroll past the Princess’ car – without even being asked to show any identification or even stopped for checks – minutes before she entered the vehicle, right under the noses of all the bodyguards, police and army officers. The man walked past the police to reach the Floriana car park entrance, where he presumably had his car parked.

Princess Anne arrived in Malta yesterday to take part in the celebrations of Malta’s independence from British rule. She will be leaving tomorrow. Yesterday the Princess visited President Fenech Adami at the San Anton Palace and shortly after laid wreaths at the Floriana monument. Today the Princess will attend a pontifical mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral at 10am.

Later, at around 11.20am she will leave with the Prime Minister on foot for the Presidential Palace, walking down Republic Street. At noon the Prime Minister and Princess Anne will lay wreaths at the Independence monument in Floriana, while in the evening she will attend the Independence Day concert at the presidential palace in Valletta. On her last day here tomorrow, the Princess is expected to visit Appogg’s Centru Access at Vittoriosa and the Cottonera Sports Complex.