The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh recreate iconic photos of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during their visit to Villa Guardamangia, marking a touching homage to the royal past.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie, embarked on a special visit to Malta this week, paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip by recreating iconic moments from their time on the Mediterranean island. The couple arrived in Malta to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence and to honour its long-standing ties with the United Kingdom.

The visit to Villa Guardamangia, a key highlight of the four-day trip, held particular significance. Villa Guardamangia, often referred to as the royal residence in Malta, was home to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during the early years of their marriage. The couple lived there between 1949 and 1951 while Prince Philip served as a Royal Navy officer, stationed in Malta. It was a time of relative freedom for the young royal couple before the weight of the crown fell upon Elizabeth’s shoulders in 1952.

Sophie and Edward toured the villa, which is currently undergoing extensive restoration to preserve its historical significance. They were shown around the residence, learning about the work being done to restore it to its former glory. As they walked through the corridors, they paused to recreate several memorable photographs taken of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip during their time in Malta. The moment was charged with nostalgia, not only for the royals but for many who remember that golden chapter in the Queen’s life.

Body language expert Judi James, commenting on the couple’s appearance, noted their deep respect for royal traditions. She highlighted how their demeanour reflected their understanding of royal service, which came through in their subtle, low-key regal signals. According to James, Sophie’s body language during the tour showed a delicate balance between personal emotion and her duty as a modern royal, which seemed especially poignant considering the historical echoes surrounding them.

“They looked like the most appropriate royal couple to walk in the Queen’s footsteps,” said James, adding that both Edward and Sophie’s loyalty to the monarchy and their deep understanding of royal protocol were apparent throughout the visit. Edward’s choice of attire, she remarked, seemed to pay homage to the past, with his suit reminiscent of the era in which Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip resided in Malta. Sophie, meanwhile, looked radiant in a flowing skirt, a contemporary nod to the Queen’s more tailored looks of the time.

The visit to Villa Guardamangia isn’t just about nostalgia, however. The Duke and Duchess are also focusing on the future of this historic site. As part of the ongoing collaboration between Malta and the UK, the restoration of the villa aims to make it a place of remembrance for the shared heritage between the two nations. For the Maltese people, Villa Guardamangia is more than just a building – it’s a symbol of their connection to British history and a reminder of the close bond shared between their country and the Royal Family.

Edward and Sophie’s visit to Malta extends beyond the walls of Villa Guardamangia. Their four-day tour includes meeting Maltese officials and attending events celebrating the island’s independence. The trip is a testament to the continuing friendship between Malta and the UK, with both countries celebrating their shared history and looking towards future collaboration.

In addition to their tour of the villa, the royal couple has been praised for the way they have carried out their duties on this trip. Judi James also noted their warmth and genuine affection for the people they met, which was evident in their interactions. Whether attending formal ceremonies or casual meet-and-greets, Sophie and Edward have been seen engaging with locals, often smiling and sharing stories with those eager to meet them.

The visit has reignited conversations about the Royal Family’s role in maintaining strong ties with the Commonwealth and other former territories. As the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh continue to represent the monarchy on such trips, their presence and conduct are crucial in keeping those relationships alive. Their ability to honour the past while looking forward seems to resonate with both the British and the international public.

As the royal tour of Malta draws to a close, the Duke and Duchess will undoubtedly leave behind a lasting impression, not only through their tribute to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip but also through their dedication to fostering enduring ties between Malta and the UK. Their visit to Villa Guardamangia was a reminder of the past but also a symbol of hope for the future, a delicate balance that the couple has managed to achieve with grace and respect.

As they prepare to leave Malta, Edward and Sophie have once again shown the world what it means to serve the crown with dignity, tradition, and a vision for what lies ahead