The Fleet Flagship of the Royal Navy, aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious returns to Malta on Monday, escorted by HMS Exeter.

The purpose of the visit is to support the State visit by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh next week.

At approximately 11am on Monday, the Illustrious will fire a 21-gun salute to the people of Malta as she approaches Grand Harbour. The Armed Forces of Malta will fire an answering welcome salute from the shore.

The commanding officer, Captain Bob Cooling said: “Everyone on board is extremely proud of the strong links between the Illustrious and Malta. Indeed, our entry into Grand Harbour will be one of the memories that will be cherished by us all for years to come as it is as special as returning to our base port after many years away.

“Illustrious will be open to visitors on Friday 25 November from 10am and I would like to extend a personal invite to as many people as possible to come and see the latest generation of Royal Navy Aircraft Carriers. It would also be marvellous to see a good turn out by the Maltese to welcome us in to Grand Harbour.”

On 22 November, Illustrious will renew her deep bond with the Three Cities. In January 1941, the Three Cities suffered terrible air raids as enemy aircraft tried to sink Illustrious while in Grand Harbour for repair. Scores of Maltese civilians died in those bombing raids – but the Dockyard workers risked their lives to repair Illustrious, enabling her to sail safely out of harbour and resume her active service.

To say thank you to the Three Cities, the Captain of the Illustrious, Commodore Bob Cooling, will lay a wreath at the War Memorial in Senglea by Our Lady of Victories Church, as will the Mayor of Senglea, Joseph Casha, and representatives of the Armed Forces of Malta and HMS Illustrious Veterans’ Association. A 41-strong Band of the Royal Marines will perform in Senglea on the morning of 22 November for the people of the Three Cities.

The band’s visit to Malta is made possible by the great generosity of HSBC (Malta), who are sponsoring the band’s travel and accommodation. Air Malta have kindly agreed to cover the freight costs of the band’s instruments. On the evening of 22 November the Mayor of Senglea will host a reception in honour of Illustrious.

There will also be a photo exhibition in the Catholic Action Centre in Senglea, open to the public, telling the story of Illustrious and the endurance of the Three Cities.

Illustrious will be open for tours by organised groups during the week, and will be open to the public between 10am and 4pm on Friday 25 November. The ship will be berthed at Pinto Wharf, Valletta.