St George Square was awash with the red, white and blue of Maltese and Union Jack flags to welcome Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh soon after their arrival for a four-day stay in Malta.

People, mostly older generation Maltese and British tourists, started lining Republic Street and St George’s Square as early as 1.30pm in the hope of getting a glimpse, or better yet, a digital photo of the Queen and the Duke.

The atmosphere was palpable while people saw first members of Cabinet and other dignitaries arrive. Except for rounds of applause when Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi first pulled up in his car and later President Edward Fenech Adami emerged from the Palace, the silence among the crowd was deafening as the anticipation grew.

The PM, accompanied by Mrs Kate Gonzi, and later the President, who was accompanied by Mrs Fenech Adami, then stood at attention for the playing of the Maltese national anthem – which was timed to perfection.

But in reality, although the President and the PM got a good reception from the crowd, everyone was waiting for the Queen. People were shuffling, some jostling for a better vantage point, while others simply stood and watched, as best they could, the junction between the square and Republic Street.

About two minutes before the Queen arrived, the hitherto invisible security agents suddenly popped into vision – on top of the palace, in balconies, on the street and in the air as two helicopters began to circle overhead.

The crowd realised that the Queen was soon to arrive. Soon the clip-clop of hooves could be heard and mounted policemen came into view followed by the two luxury state Princess cars.

The crowd burst into whistles and applause while the journalists’ stand soon became a cacophony of reeling tapes, the snapping of camera shutters as well as journalists barking reports into their mobile phones to reach the news wires first. Other local journalists matched them with their direct transmissions to TV and radio bulletins.

Queen Elizabeth emerged in a smart cream suit and hat while the Duke was wearing a beautifully-tailored dark suit.

The Queen proceeded with protocol and first met the members of the Maltese Cabinet and other dignitaries, including Archbishop Joseph Mercieca, before meeting the UK delegation, which included High Commissioner Vincent Fean and Mrs Fean and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, who was also in attendance.

Her Majesty then inspected the Guard of Honour with President Fenech Adami. Queen Elizabeth was then ushered into the Palace where she exchanged pleasantries and gifts with the President. The Duke of Edinburgh and Mrs Fenech Adami were also in attendance.

The President bestowed an honorary membership of the Xirka Gieh ir Repubblika on the Queen and the Insignia of the Xirka. The Queen, on the other hand, reciprocated by conferring an honorary membership of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath on the President and presented him with the Insignia of a Knight Grand Cross with Collar.

While she was in the Palace, the crowd melted away from the square and reassembled to jostle for position along Republic Street where the Queen’s much-anticipated royal walkabout was to take place. Some took to extreme measures and one woman caused much mirth when she climbed up a pole on the corner of St Lucia Street, camera in hand. She was hanging on to it under a sign indicating, “This area is under camera surveillance”.

Her Majesty was met by rapturous applause and choruses of “God save the Queen” and “Viva ir-Regina” from Maltese and Britons alike.

She and the Duke of Edinburgh stopped to speak to people – although it was extremely difficult to make out what she or others were saying. Her Majesty and the Duke were then ushered back into separate cars so they could be whisked-off for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Floriana Cenotaph, also known as the War Memorial. Some veterans were present, but what was more impressive was the way the general public flew down to the memorial before she even got there to greet her once again.

The Queen laid a wreath to remember British and Maltese servicemen who lost their lives during times of war.

Yesterday evening, the Queen attended a State Concert and Dinner laid on at San Anton Palace. The concert was performed by the National Orchestra and was under the direction of Maestro Michael Laus.

Before the dinner, the President gave a speech and proposed a toast to the health of the Queen, to which she replied. Grace was then said by the Archbishop and the dinner commenced.

This morning, Her Majesty will receive Opposition Leader Alfred Sant at San Anton Palace, after which she will take part in a tree- planting ceremony in the grounds. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi will also call, after which she leaves for what is known as her favourite part of any state visit – meeting children.

The Maltese children she will meet will gather at the Cottonera Sport Complex. She will then head down to the Vittoriosa Marina where she will attend the opening ceremony. After that, both the Queen and the Duke will attend a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi at Auberge de Castille. Before lunch, they will exchange gifts. In the evening, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will host a reception in honour of President Edward Fenech Adami and Mrs Fenech Adami at the Le Meridien Phoenicia.

The Queen and the Duke seemed to enjoy their return to Malta just as much as the public did in welcoming them. The Queen was beaming and at ease while walking and talking with well- wishers. One thing can be sure – the Queen and the Duke will receive nothing but hospitality during their stay in Malta. The people of these islands remember the Queen well. They remember her as a friend and Her Majesty will always be a welcome visitor.