Then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip lived at Villa Guardamangia in Valletta from 1949 to 1951 during his service, an era which biographer Ben Pimlott has described as the " most 'normal' of her entire life " and then-private secretary Mike Parker called a "fabulous period."

The first time a Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh set foot inside Villa Guardamangia, Malta, it was 1949 and they were flushed with the joy of young married life.Princess Elizabeth, as she was better known at the time,

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will visit Malta from Monday 7th to Thursday 10th October to mark the 60th anniversary of

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were taken on a tour of a Maltese villa where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip lived more than 70 years ago. Edward and Sophie were guided around Villa Guardamangia on the third day of their tour of Malta and were told about restoration work being carried out on the late monarch's former residence.

A small crowd gathered outside the Auberge de Castille, the prime minister’s office in the capital, in anticipation of the royal arrival.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh appeared in great spirits as they met with President Myriam Spiteri Debono at Grandmaster's Palace in St George's Square, Valletta.

Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh to visit Malta to mark 60 years of independence - Edward and Sophie will spend four days on the island, carrying out a packed schedule of engagements.