Today marks the 50th anniversary of Republic Day for Malta, meaning Malta no longer had a foreign Head of State, as it ceased to be under the sovereignty of the British monarch.

On the 13th December 1974 the Maltese Constitution was amended and Malta became a Republic, with Sir Anthony Mamo as its first President.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono on behalf of the Government and people of Malta, has paid public tribute to a number of Maltese citizens who distinguish themselves in different fields of endeavour, during an investiture held at the Palace, by appointing them to The National Order of Merit or to the Xirka Gieh ir-Repubblika, or by awarding them the Midalja ghall-Qlubija or the Midalja ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika.

Nationals of other countries may be conferred with honorary membership of the Order or of the Xirka or awarded the Midalja ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika on an honorary basis.

The President, appointed nine members to The National Order of Merit, one of whom was appointed as honorary member. Ten other individuals were awarded the Midalja ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika.

One of the latter was awarded the medal on an honorary basis and three posthumously.

Republic Day Honours 2024:

Officer of the National Order of Merit

Dr Joseph F Grima; and

Dr Joseph Zarb Adami

Member of the National Order of Merit

Simone Attard

Dr Narcy Calamatta;

Professor Daniel Massa

Clarence L. Pace

Professor Paul Pace; and

Professor Charles Scerri

American Commander Allen K. Harker was awarded Honorary Member

Midalja ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika

Reno Bugeja;

Joseph Farrugia;

Fr Stephen Borg, Fr ??Joseph Formosa and Fr Mario Sant;

Archbishop Emeritus George Anthony Frendo;

Karl Gouder (posthumous);

Doris Micallef;

Jake Vella (posthumous);

Lorenzo Vella (posthumous);

Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies; and

Professor Jane Somerville

File photo: DOI

Permalink: Malta marks 50th anniversary of Republic Day with honours list