24 October 2023 , 22:07
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Photographs capture the crumbling home in Malta where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip enjoyed a "normal life".
The mansion called Villa Guardamangia became dilapidated but, after Prince Philip's death, work is being carried out to restore it and turn the building into a museum. But between 1949 and 1951, the royal couple called it home as the duke served on HMS Chequers with the Mediterranean Fleet. Heritage Malta's chief operating officer, Kenneth Gambin, said there was "a feeling of sadness" on the island after Philip's death.
Pictured in 1949, Prince Philip lived here with Queen Elizabeth when he was stationed with the Royal Navy (Getty Images)The country's national agency for conservation practice and cultural heritage is in the process of transforming the crumbing building into a museum. The first floor will feature a reconstruction of how the house looked when Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II moved in.
Paying tribute to Prince Philip, Mr Gambin said: "He was remembered fondly, because everyone knew that Malta had a special place in his heart. People remain somewhat attached to him because they know that he remembered Malta fondly. He took every opportunity to come here again when he could."
A young Philip and the then-Princess Elizabeth spent some of the early years of their marriage here (PA)The royal husband and wife's stay in Malta offered them their only real taste of life as a relatively ordinary couple before the Queen's ascension to the throne. They had the freedom to enjoy parties, picnics and boat expeditions, and the princess was even able to take a trip to the hairdressers for the first time.
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The future Queen split her time between the island and England, where a young Prince of Wales remained with his grandparents, leaving Malta for a time in 1950 to give birth to Princess Anne. The agency describes it as "a national treasure" and "a classic Baroque example of a summer palace". It is thought Philip's uncle, Lord Louis Mountbatten - who was also once a tenant at the villa, introduced it to the royal couple.
The palazzo-style residence is on the outskirts of the capital Valletta (PA)Prince Philip died aged 99 on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle. The Queen announced her "deep sorrow" as she confirmed the Duke of Edinburgh, who had been treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection, passed away just two months before his 100th birthday. Dad-of-four Philip was the longest-serving consort in British history, dedicating decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch's side.
Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral. In the year of her Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of dedicated service to the Throne, the longest serving monarch passed away at her beloved Scottish estate.