The fleet flagship of the Royal Navy, the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious (picture), sails in Grand Harbour on Monday in connection with the state visit to Malta by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Escorted by HMS Exeter, the Illustrious will fire a 21-gun salute to the people of Malta as she approaches Grand Harbour at about 11 a.m. The Armed Forces of Malta will fire an answering welcome salute from shore.
This exchange of salutes revives a tradition whereby a visiting navy ship would fire her guns before entering harbour, showing respect to the host country and signalling her peaceful intent by showing that she was coming in with her guns unloaded, the British High Commission said.
The commanding officer, Captain Bob Cooling, said: "Everyone on board is extremely proud of the strong links between Illustrious and Malta. Indeed, our entry into Grand Harbour will be one of the memories that will be cherished by us all for years to come as it is as special as returning to our base port after many years away".
On Tuesday, the Illustrious will renew her deep bond with the Three Cities. In January 1941, the Three Cities suffered terrible air raids as enemy aircraft tried to sink the wartime HMS Illustrious, which was in Grand Harbour for repair. Scores of Maltese civilians died in those bombing raids but the dockyard workers risked their lives to repair the Illustrious, enabling her to sail safely out of harbour and resume her active service.
In recognition to the Three Cities, Capt. Cooling will lay a wreath at the War Memorial in Senglea accompanied by the mayor of Senglea Joseph Casha and representatives of the Armed Forces of Malta and HMS Illustrious Veterans' Association.
A 41-strong band of the Royal Marines will perform in Senglea on Tuesday morning. HSBC (Malta) is sponsoring the band's travel and accommodation. Air Malta agreed to cover the freight costs of the band's instruments.
On Tuesday evening the mayor of Senglea will host a reception in honour of the Illustrious.
There will also be a photo exhibition in the Catholic Action Centre in Senglea telling the story of the Illustrious and the endurance of the Three Cities. The exhibition will be open to the public.
The Illustrious will be open for tours by organised groups during the week and will be open to the public between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on November 25. The ship will be berthed at Pinto Wharf, Valletta.