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  • (Video) Prince Harry Laughs When Asked If He’s Happy to be Home | The royal drama continues as Prince Harry visits the U.K.

    (Video) Prince Harry Laughs When Asked If He’s Happy to be Home | The royal drama continues as Prince Harry visits the U.K.

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    The royal drama continues as Prince Harry visits the U.K.

    Harry returned home to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral, but won’t be spending time with his father King Charles III, who is battling cancer.


    “Good Morning Britain” caught up with the Prince in the U.K. and asked, “Harry, are you happy to be home?”

    Harry smiled and waved. When the question was asked a second time, he just laughed.

    On Tuesday, Harry’s spokesperson confirmed to Page Six that he would not be meeting with his father.

    The statement read, “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program.”

    The spokesperson added, “The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

    Sources told the outlet that Harry invited his royal family to the anniversary celebration, but no one RSVPed yes.

    That includes his brother, Prince William, who is taking on more duties as King Charles battles cancer as well as his wife Kate Middleton.

    An insider tells People, “Whether you’re a prince or a pauper, no one would expect anything like this with his father and his wife both being treated for cancer. William is digging deep.”

    Royal biographer Robert Lacey added, “The double illness has placed enormous pressure on William, both as a parent and inheritor of the family business. It has brought all kinds of challenges. He [has handled] it with calmness and lack of drama.”

    Another source added of Kate, “William is prioritizing giving her all the time she needs to get better and the support, particularly to the children.”

    While Majesty magazine editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward told People, “For William, everything hinges on Kate’s well-being.”

  • King Charles’ ’emotional’ meeting with Kate Middleton prior to public cancer diagnosis revealed

    King Charles’ ’emotional’ meeting with Kate Middleton prior to public cancer diagnosis revealed

    Kate Middleton is keeping herself far away from public life as she continues her cancer treatment. The Princess of Wales announced the cancer diagnosis on March 22. Since Easter, she and her family, including her and Prince William’s three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, have spent quality time with each other at their country house, Anmer Hall, in Sandringham.

    King Charles and Kate Middleton both are going through cancer treatment. The king and princess are said to have supported each other through thick and thin throughout this challenging time. While Kate was recovering from her abdominal surgery at the London Clinic, Charles was said to have visited her to check in. 

    Shortly before her announcement video, Kate sat in the gardens of Windsor. She and King Charles reportedly had lunch together at Windsor Castle. Now, new details about their lunch have surfaced — and they don’t leave a dry eye. 

    King Charles and Kate Middleton are in the middle of their cancer treatments. The monarch, who was officially crowned king in early May of last year, disclosed his cancer diagnosis in early February, and about six weeks later, Kate Middleton shared the news of her diagnosis.

    Kate Middleton – cancer diagnosis

    On March 22, Kate Middleton broke her nearly two-month silence about her health after undergoing her “planned” abdominal surgery. The Princess of Wales revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer and is now undergoing chemotherapy.

    “I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery,” Kate Middleton said in the video, as she sat on a bench in the grounds of Windsor, daffodils visible in the background behind her.

    She added that the news came as a “huge shock.”

    “It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful. Tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” Kate continued, adding that she was in the early stages of treatment.

    “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”

    “As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them and to reassure them that I am going to be okay,” the Princess of Wales added, asking the public for privacy as she begins her treatment.
    Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
    Several experts analyzed Kate Middleton’s video and the way she presented her cancer diagnosis to the world. Body language expert Judi James said that Kate sitting alone at the bench in the Windsor Gardens was a “testament to her strength and courage” and that it appeared that the Princess of Wales hadn’t” lost her sense of humor.”

    Kate Middleton compared with Queen Elizabeth by royal expert

    Meanwhile, royal biographer Sally Bedel Smith told People Magazine that Kate’s video was “sincere, dignified and “poised.”

    “She is inherently shy, and for her to do that took a lot,” Bedell Smith explained, adding that she got flashbacks to Queen Elizabeth II.

    “When she ended with ‘You are not alone,’ it rang a bell with something that Queen Elizabeth would have said,” Bedell Smith explains. “It was very similar to what Queen Elizabeth said during COVID when she said, ‘We are all in this together.’”

    “She was mindful there are very few people who read about that or watched that who doesn’t know someone who has cancer. She was mindful of that. It was a way of reassuring people not only about her condition but helping them have courage,” Sally Bedell smith added.

    Kate Middleton has always been close to her father-in-law, King Charles. The Princess of Wales has even been labeled “the daughter he never had,” and after they both received cancer diagnoses, it appears that they have grown even closer.

    Royal expert Victoria Arbiter pointed out that King Charles and Kate Middleton’s already strong relationship has likely grown even more vital as they have faced similar health struggles. Speaking on The Royal Beat, the royal commentator said they “would have found tremendous comfort in each other, going through something so similar.”

     

    Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith agreed and told People Magazine that she believes King Charles and Kate’s bond is growing stronger because of their similar health issues.

    “He has always had a very good bond with her. I don’t think it is presumptuous to say that she is like the daughter he never had,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People Magazine. “He shares with William an impulse to protect her. They are in this together, Kate and the King.”
    Kate Middleton, King CharlesMax Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
    Shortly after Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis, the Palace issued a statement. King Charles said he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did” and added that he has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks.”

    King Charles “emotional” one-on-one lunch with Kate Middleton before cancer announcement

    The statement was undoubtedly emotional, but according to royal expert Jennie Bond, one word confirmed that the two have an extraordinary relationship.

    In an interview with OK! Magazine, Jennie Bond says that the fact that he said “closest contact” and not “close” was noteworthy.

    Moreover, Bond revealed that the two had lunch together at Windsor Castle less than 24 hours before the video was released, which left Charles very emotional.

    “There’s no doubt that cancer has cemented an already strong relationship. It’s very touching to think of Charles toddling down the corridor to see Kate when they were both in hospital. And it is understood that the King was left very emotional after their one-on-one lunch at Windsor Castle the day after she recorded her broadcast,” Bond said.

    “There are so very few people in whom a senior royal can confide, certain that everything they say will be secure. I’m sure that both Charles and Kate have found it comforting to be able to discuss their emotions as well as the chemotherapy treatment and how it has made them feel.”
    Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Images
    Jennie Bond added that Kate Middleton isn’t “looking for a father figure,” but that she and Charles have formed a “genuinely affectionate relationship.”

    “After all, remember how Diana said Charles had always wanted a daughter. And he loves the grandchildren and now sees much more of them either at Windsor or Sandringham,” the royal expert continued.

    King Charles thinks of Kate Middleton “as his daughter,” expert says

    “It must be particularly tough for the children to know that both their grandfather and their mother are ill. But I’m sure Charles, like Kate, tries to shield them from that and carries on being a fun grandpa as much as he can in their tight knit little group.”

    King Charles might not have shown his emotions about his bond with Kate Middleton in public. However, the monarch did reveal that he did cry after the enormous response to his cancer diagnosis.

    In February, during a meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shortly after his cancer diagnosis had been made public, King Charles said, “I’ve had so many wonderful messages and cards. It’s reduced me to tears most of the time.”

    “I hear there’s been a lot more attention and interest on those main, wonderful cancer charities, many of which I’ve been a patron for years,” the King added with a laugh.

    Jennie Bond’s insights into King Charles’ emotional lunch are backed up by a source from The Sun, who says it is “unusual” for them to sit down together.

    “The King had already been made aware that the woman he calls ‘my beloved daughter-in-law’ had cancer. They would have had lots to discuss and share because just weeks earlier, the King had begun his course of treatment and dealt with announcing his diagnosis,” the source told The Sun.

    “The King left his lunch feeling very emotional. They are very close and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter. There is no doubt there is a lot they can share and can use each other for support during their own deeply personal cancer battles.”
    Andrew Milligan – WPA Pool/Getty Images
    Prince William and Kate Middleton decided to leave Adelaide Cottage to spend time at Anmer Hall at Sandringham. George, Charlotte, and Louis are returning to school on April 17, and they get to spend some quality time with their parents at the country house instead.

    Prince William’s beautifully supporting Kate Middleton amid cancer diagnosis

    Exactly how Kate Middleton is doing as she has begun her treatment, which involves “a course of preventative chemotherapy,” is not known. However, according to royal expert Jennie Bond, the Princess of Wales appears to be doing well.

    In an interview with Bella Magazine, the royal expert revealed that Kate is getting stronger with each day that passes.

    “She says she’s getting stronger every day so I’m sure she’s doing her best to join in the outdoor life –the picnic, barbecues and walks on the beach,” Bond said.

    Prince William has been an invaluable source of support for Kate in this challenging time. A longtime family friend told People he is a “reliable, strong person.” Thanks to him, Kate MIdldeotn “doesn’t feel isolated.”

    “This is about supporting her and her feeling supported,” the family friend said. It is a joint effort. She doesn’t feel isolated at all. The nuclear family that they have created so well is immense support not only to him but to Catherine, too.”

    The insider continued: “It is a particular time in their lives, and I know their priority will be to look after each other. His priority is on his family, and the other questions can wait.”

    Time will tell when Kate Middleton will give an update about her cancer treatment and health status. But for now, she is focusing all her energy on being with the family she dearly loves.

  • King Charles III Hands Over Military Role to Prince William That Could Have Gone to Prince Harry

    King Charles III Hands Over Military Role to Prince William That Could Have Gone to Prince Harry

    The decision comes as Prince Harry is in the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

    Prince William has a new military title bestowed upon him, but many familiar with the history of the royal family believe that it likely would have gone to his estranged younger brother, Prince Harry, had Harry remained a working member of the royal family.

    On Wednesday, King Charles III announced that he had appointed his eldest son to be the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. Charles himself held the role for 31 years.

    But it was Harry, who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, who actually served in the very unit that William will be in charge of, leading many to believe that Harry would have taken on this title had he remained a working senior royal.

    In 2020, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, announced their intention to step down as senior members of the royal family. They relocated to California with their son, Archie, now 5, and later welcomed their daughter, Lilibet, almost 3.
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during the Royal Salute Polo Challenge, to benefit Sentebale, at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida, on April 12, 2024. – Yaroslav Sabitov/PA Images via Getty Images
    Not long after the couple made their decision in 2020, the palace released a statement regarding the couple’s new titles. “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family,” read the statement.

    Prince Harry was also stripped of his honorary military titles.

    In the 2020 book Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of the Modern Royal Family, royal reporters Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand wrote that the loss of Harry’s honorary military appointments hit him the hardest.

    “That’s been a tough pill to swallow, and one that has been the most painful for Meghan to witness him go through,” a source close to the couple says in the book. “It’s the one that made Harry emotional.”

    These titles included Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Force Commandant of the Royal Air Force Base Honington, and honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy’s Small Ships and Diving Operations.

    Prince Harry Prince William
    Prince William and Prince Harry smile at the passing-out Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst Military Academy on April 12, 2006 in Sandhurst, England. – Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage
    Harry and his brother, William, have remained estranged in recent years following the Sussexes’ exit from royal life and subsequent Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, followed closely by Harry’s tell-all memoir, Spare.

    William has been taking on more than his fair share of royal responsibilities as both his father, Charles, and wife, Kate Middleton, deal with their own private cancer battles.

    Harry is currently in the United Kingdom celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, the event he helped found for wounded veterans.

    After news broke that his father was undergoing cancer treatment, ET confirmed that Charles’ younger son had rapidly flown to the U.K. to visit with his father, albeit for a brief period of time — reportedly just a few hours.

    On Tuesday, a rep for the Duke of Sussex shared with ET that despite their proximity to each other, Prince Harry would not be visiting his father on this trip due to his packed schedule for the Invictus Games.
    Prince Harry at an Invictus Games event in the U.K. on Tuesday, May 7
    Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation onstage during The Invictus Games Foundation Conversation titled Realising a Global Community at the Honourable Artillery Company on May 7, 2024 in London, England. – Getty Images
    A spokesperson for Prince Harry told ET, “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program.”

    The rep added, “The duke, of course, is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

    It’s another case of “so close but so far” with his immediate family in England after Harry and Prince William both attended a memorial event for their mom — Harry virtually and William in person — and narrowly avoided each other. The royal rift seems to be worse than ever for the brothers a full year after barely acknowledging each other during their father’s coronation.

    The ice may be thawing, however, as ET learned back in March that Meghan, 42, and Harry privately reached out to Prince William, 41, and the Princess of Wales, 42, following her cancer diagnosis.

    Additionally, in a statement to ET, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said at the time, “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

  • King Charles and Prince Harry at London events just two miles apart – but no hope for reunion between father and son

    King Charles and Prince Harry at London events just two miles apart – but no hope for reunion between father and son

    Charles and Harry are not going to meetCharles and Harry are not going to meet. Picture: Alamy

    King Charles has appeared at the first garden party of the year at Buckingham Palace, with Prince Harry only two miles away at St Paul’s Cathedral, although the two are not expected to meet.

    Charles beamed as he entered the palace garden with the Queen and greeted guests, wearing a grey suit and light blue waistcoat.

    He then took off his black top hat in respect for the national anthem. The crowd gathered in the garden cheered loudly as the hymn ended, and Charles waved his hat in celebratory mood.

    The King was also joined by the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

    King Charles III speaks to guests attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 8, 2024.King Charles III speaks to guests attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 8, 2024. Picture: Alamy
    Britain's King Charles III, left, and Queen Camilla attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London, Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/Pool via AP)Britain’s King Charles III, left, and Queen Camilla attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London, Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/Pool via AP). Picture: Alamy
    King Charles III speaks to guests attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 8, 2024.King Charles III speaks to guests attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 8, 2024. Picture: Alamy

    Meanwhile Harry was in St Paul’s Cathedral for a church service to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games.

    Harry joined a congregation of around a thousand inside the London landmark where he gave a Bible reading.

    Among the guests were Diana, Princess of Wales’s siblings Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Spencer, and former Army officer Mark Dyer, who acted as the duke’s mentor.

    The duke was warmly greeted by the Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, before being escorted to his seat.

    Prince HarryPrince Harry. Picture: Alamy

    Crowds had gathered around crash barriers to see Harry arrive.

    It was revealed earlier this week that the King was too busy to see his son during his return to the UK.

    Harry during his UK visitHarry during his UK visit. Picture: Alamy

    There was speculation that Harry may meet with the King during his short trip back home his father the King, but Charles’ “full programme” means the get-together would not happen.

    The pair last met soon after the King announced his cancer diagnosis in February, with Harry rushing from the US to see his father.

    A spokesperson for Harry said: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

    “The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

  • Prince Harry backed by Diana’s family at Invictus Games service after being snubbed by King twice during UK visit

    Prince Harry backed by Diana’s family at Invictus Games service after being snubbed by King twice during UK visit

    Harry was joined for the service of thanksgiving by close relatives of his motherHarry was joined for the service of thanksgiving by close relatives of his mother. Picture: Getty/Alamy

    Prince Harry was supported by Diana’s family at the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games on Wednesday after being snubbed by the King.

    Harry was joined for the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral by close relatives of his mother Diana, including her brother Earl Spencer and her sister Lady Jane Fellowes.

    Former army officer Mark Dyer, who acted as his mentor and played the role of a brother figure after Diana’s death, was also in attendance.

    Harry cut a lonely figure as he made his way into the cathedral on his own though, with wife Meghan having stayed in the US.

    The service, to recognise the Paralympic-style competition the royal founded, kicked off just a few miles away from the King, who met guests at the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the year.

    Harry and Lady Jane talking at the eventHarry and Lady Jane talking at the event. Picture: Getty

    Huge crowds gathered outside the cathedral to see Harry’s car pull up ahead of the event.

    He acknowledged them with a wave as he strode up St Paul’s steps and was greeted by the Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett.

    Once he was inside, he spoke to the clergy and Earl Spencer before taking his seat.

    The St Paul’s congregation of just over 1,000 people gave a standing ovation after ex-RAF servicewoman Michelle Turner, husband John and daughter Maya each read verses of a poem that described their experiences following Ms Turner’s medical discharge, after a tropical disease she caught while on deployment affected her heart.

    Prince Harry arriving at the servicePrince Harry arriving at the service. Picture: Getty

    Ms Turner, Team UK captain for the 2018 Games, told guests: “Wounded, injured, sick, and now with no career: consumed by insecurities, the pain and the fear.

    “Our lives were upside down, how could it be, that the little girl I was meant to protect, was now looking after me.” ]

    At the end, after her voice broke with emotion as she said “Thank you Invictus for giving my life back.”

    The Dean of St Paul’s echoed her words in his sermon when he said the Invictus Games Foundation, which organises the competition, was ” … not only changing lives through sport but quite literally by saving lives”.

    Harry later joined some of the Invictus community for a private reception in the cathedral’s crypt.

    Harry meeting supporters after the serviceHarry meeting supporters after the service. Picture: Getty

    It came after there was speculation that the prince would meet with the King during his short trip back home, but Charles’ “full programme” meant the get-together would not happen.

    The pair last met soon after the King announced his cancer diagnosis in February, with Harry rushing from the US to see his father.

    A spokesperson for Harry said: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

    “The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

    Just hours later, it was revealed that the pair would not meet, Buckingham Palace also announced that Prince William would be made Colonel-in-Chief of Harry’s old regiment.

    The King and William will attend a joint engagement next week, where the prince will be made the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, Buckingham Palace said.

    Before Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020, it was believed he would take on the role after he toured Afghanistan with the regiment until 2014.

    The passing on of the position, which Charles has held for 31 years, will take place in front of an Apache – the same type of helicopter Harry flew in.

    A source told The Sun: “Timing is everything.”

  • Where the Queen could be ‘normal’: How Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent blissful two years living in Malta, enjoying parties, picnics and boat rides – as pictures show Meghan’s trip to trace her ancestry

    Where the Queen could be ‘normal’: How Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent blissful two years living in Malta, enjoying parties, picnics and boat rides – as pictures show Meghan’s trip to trace her ancestry

    It was where the future Queen and her new husband were happiest – a place where they could live free from royal protocol.

    The two years Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent living in Malta from 1949 were forever treasured by the couple.

    Today, exclusive pictures have shown Meghan Markle’s own time on the Mediterranean island in 2015 – when she visited to explore her ancestry.

    But whilst Meghan spent just three days in Malta, the Queen and Philip built happy lives on what was then British territory, living in a two-storey villa that still stands.

    It was where the future Queen and her new husband were happiest - a place where they could live free from royal protocol. The two years Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent living in Malta from 1949 were forever treasured by the couple. Pictured: In Malta in 1949
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    It was where the future Queen and her new husband were happiest – a place where they could live free from royal protocol. The two years Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent living in Malta from 1949 were forever treasured by the couple. Pictured: In Malta in 1949

    Elizabeth and Philip dancing at at La Valette  in Malta during a ball organised by the Royal Navy
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    Elizabeth and Philip dancing at at La Valette  in Malta during a ball organised by the Royal Navy

    Today, exclusive pictures have shown Meghan Markle's own time on the Mediterranean island in 2015 - when she visited to explore her ancestry
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    Today, exclusive pictures have shown Meghan Markle’s own time on the Mediterranean island in 2015 – when she visited to explore her ancestry

    They hosted enjoyed parties, picnics and boat expeditions and Elizabeth was even able to take a trip to the hairdressers on her own.

    The Queen later spoke of how their time in Malta was one of the best periods of her life because it was the only time she was able to live ‘normally’.

    She would return six times during her reign, including in 2007 when she and Philip celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

    The couple moved to the island to allow Philip to pursue his career in the Royal Navy.

    He initially served as First Lieutenant on the destroyer HMS Chequers, before being given control of the frigate HMS Magpie in 1950.

    That year, the couple returned to the UK so Elizabeth could give birth to Princess Anne in August, but they were back by Christmas.

    Princess Elizabeth beams as she watches anti-aircraft gunners at work in Malta in 1950
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    Princess Elizabeth beams as she watches anti-aircraft gunners at work in Malta in 1950

    The then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip are pictured at Villa Guardamangia on the outskirts of Valletta in 1950
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    The then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip are pictured at Villa Guardamangia on the outskirts of Valletta in 1950

    It was while in Malta that Philip triggered global speculation that Princess Elizabeth was expecting her second child.

    While posing for a picture with Elizabeth at Villa Guardamangia, Philip gave a two-finger signal. Anne was born five months later.

    Elizabeth and Philip also enjoyed going to the cinema while in Malta, and the princess would watch her husband play polo.

    Their cherished days of freedom came to an end in July 1951, when they returned home to Clarence House amid George VI’s failing health.

    The Princess was needed to help shoulder the responsibility of engagements and royal tours.

    During her final visit to the country in 2015, the Queen said: ‘Visiting Malta is always very special for me. I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married.’

    The then-Maltese president Marie Louise Coleiro presented the Queen and the duke with a watercolour of Villa Guardamangia during the trip.

    Villa Guardamangia is in the process of being restored to its former glory after being bought by Heritage Malta – the country’s national conservation agency.

    The Queen and Prince Philip are pictured at Villa Guardamangia in 1950. The couple lived at the home between 1949 and 1951. This photo led to global speculation that the Queen was pregnant with her second child. Philip is seen giving a two-finger signal
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    The Queen and Prince Philip are pictured at Villa Guardamangia in 1950. The couple lived at the home between 1949 and 1951. This photo led to global speculation that the Queen was pregnant with her second child. Philip is seen giving a two-finger signal

    While in Malta, Philip was First Lieutenant on the destroyer HMS Chequers, while Princess Elizabeth was a happy naval wife and mother ¿ first to Charles in 1948 and then Anne in August 1950
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    While in Malta, Philip was First Lieutenant on the destroyer HMS Chequers, while Princess Elizabeth was a happy naval wife and mother – first to Charles in 1948 and then Anne in August 1950

    A man walks past the entrance of the Queen and Philip's former home Villa Guardamangia on the outskirts of Valletta in Malta, July 2020
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    A man walks past the entrance of the Queen and Philip’s former home Villa Guardamangia on the outskirts of Valletta in Malta, July 2020

    For many years after the royal couple departed, the property was occupied by a woman who lived alone, using some of the ground floor rooms.

    It fell into disrepair, but repeated government attempts to buy it from the owners were rebuffed until 2020.

    It was finally acquired by Heritage Malta for about €5million (£4million).

    Pictures taken in 2021 showed the sorry state it was in.

    Statues that once stood in the garden were piled up in a room, the servants’ quarters were derelict, bathrooms were destroyed and the traditional patterned Maltese floor tiling – which the Queen is said to have found cold – had faded.

    The ultimate aim is to open up the property to the public, with the ground floor exploring relations between Malta and the royal family through the ages.

    On the first floor, a ‘historic house approach’ will be used, with a reconstruction of how it looked in the 1950s when the royal couple lived there.