Villa Guardamangia’s doors will open to the public next Sunday for the first time

by Gozo News · December 11, 2021

The doors of Villa Guardamangia are to be open to the general public for the very first time next Sunday, providing an opportunity to experience at first hand the current state of a former royal dwelling, before the much-required works commence late next year.

Heritage Malta said that this event is particularly targeted at those who have memories or items such as photographs which are in any way linked to Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s stay in Malta between 1949 and 1951, and to their connection to Malta ever since.

Such memories or objects will be recorded or scanned in order to form part of the eventual interpretation of the building and to be shared with the general public.

A national treasure in its own right, Villa Guardamangia was built around the mid-18th century, but became more popularly associated with the royal family after it served as residence to Princess Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, when he was stationed in Malta as an officer of the Royal Navy from 1949 until 1951.

Heritage Malta said that since then, Villa Guardamangia has retained a special place in the heart of Her Majesty the Queen of England. Fondly described by her as ‘home,’ Villa Guardamangia is the only property outside Great Britain in which the royal family has resided.

The villa has an area of around 1,500 square metres and includes eighteen rooms, stables, a large garden, wells, a war shelter/bunker and other facilities.

Another illustrious tenant of Villa Guardamangia was Lord Louis Mountbatten, uncle of Prince Philip, who eventually was also Commander-in-Chief of the British Mediterranean Fleet in Malta from 1952 to 1954.

Regular guided tours on first-come first-served basis will be held throughout the open day, on Sunday, the 19th of December.. The villa, which is not wheelchair accessible, will be open from 10am to 4pm.

Heritage Malta said that, ”if you have a story, old photo, footage or any other object you would like to share regarding Villa Guardamangia or the royal family’s connection to Malta, kindly send an email to communications@heritagemalta.org or call on 22954301.”