For the third consecutive year, and to celebrate the third anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to the Magro Brothers’ factory at Xewkija, Gozo, the Magro family have kept their promise of presenting Prince Philip with two new products from their Savina range of delicacies.

This year, Lynn and John Magro were invited to present their gift to the Duke of Edinburgh personally in a private audience at Buckingham Palace.

Their 19-year-old daughter Joanna, who is currently doing her stint at the Savina Creativity Centre in between her study years, accompanied them.

The private audience took place in the Duke’s library. Prince Philip was very relaxed and showed keen interest in hearing about developments at the factory and Gozo.

This year the Savina hamper included the new gourmet condiment sauces and Mediterranean pasta sauces. Made with typical Mediterranean ingredients, the gourmet condiments include Maltese tomatoes, honey, aged wine vinegar, lemon zest and a dash of cognac to lighten the spirit. The Duke hinted that he was looking forward to tasting these condiments during the family holidays at their country residence.

The Prince was also very intrigued with the three ready-to-use, stir-in pasta sauces presented and added with a chuckle that “they would leave little work for the royal cooks”. These sauces include one with Maltese cherry tomatoes, fresh basil and garlic; another one with olives and sun-dried tomatoes while the third one is made with grilled aubergines and onions in a rich tomato sauce.

Prince Philip thanked the Magro family for remembering them every year and for the delightful gifts.

After the private audience with the Duke of Edinburgh, the Magro family were shown around the private quarters of the royal family at Buckingham Palace by Sir Miles Hunt-Davis, private secretary to Prince Philip, who confirmed the appreciation of the British royal family for the Maltese people.