It was an honour to be invited to participate in this solemn event which was held on the steps of the premises where the then Princess Elizabeth lived with her husband Prince Phillip. Due to the limited space available attendance was also limited. There was a lovely picture of Her Majesty
next to a floral display on a table in foyer of the villa.
After welcome remarks the British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Katherine Ward LVO OBE gave a reading of ‘Floral Tribute’ by the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
His Grace Monsignor Charles Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta followed with a prayer.
Peter Robinson MBE Honorary President of the RBL made introductory remarks regarding the use of the Exhortation before reciting the verse itself.
The Honour guard of the WWII Living History Group saluted and the standards for the RBL, RNA, RAFA and GCIA were dipped. A minute of silence was then observed.At the conclusion of the silence Rev. Betsi Thane, Church of Scotland read the ‘Prayer to the Royal Family’.
The ceremony was concluded with a reading of the prayer to ‘The King and Head of the Commonwealth’ by the Very Rev. Canon Simon Godfrey of St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral.
Minister Owen Bonnici then made a short speech with regards to Her Majesty and Villa Guardamangia. A fitting conclusion to the event.
