OPR - Thursday, 28th April, 2005

The British High Commissioner, H.E. Mr. Vincent Fean called on The President of Malta, His Excellency, Dr. Edward Fenech Adami at The Palace, Valletta and conveyed to him a letter from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II accepting The President and Mrs. Fenech Adami’s invitation to pay a State Visit to Malta in November 2005. 

In his invitation letter, The President had written “My country highly values the excellent relations with your country and is eager to strengthen them further both bi-laterally and within the European Union framework.”

In the letter to The President, Her Majesty wrote “The Duke of Edinburgh and I are both delighted to accept your kind invitation.  Prince Philip and I remember with great pleasure our last visit to Malta in 1992.  We much look forward to extending our deep friendships in your country and are most grateful for your kind offer of hospitality, for which Malta is rightly famous.  I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest wishes for the health and happiness of the people of the Republic of Malta.”

The British High Commissioner conveying Queen Elizabeth's letter to The President

His Excellency added that all previous visits by members of the Royal Family have always stirred interest. In particular, the visit by Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, would rekindle memories amongst our not so young generation since the Royal couple had lived in Malta for a short while way back in the early 50’s.

Her Majesty and Prince Philip will arrive in Malta on Wednesday 23 November, to undertake a programme of engagements.  On 25 November The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, will open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), chaired by the Hon Lawrence Gonzi MP, Prime Minister of Malta.  Having completed their CHOGM engagements, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will leave Malta on 26 November.

A copy of the letter by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II