Picture rekindles memories of Prince Philip's stint in Malta

A photograph showing the Duke of Edinburgh on a yacht at the former Torpedo Depot, in Msida, taken 56 years ago was presented to Prince Philip when he was here last month.

The picture - a blown up copy of an original photograph - was given to Prince Philip by yacht yard owner Charles Vella.

The Duke of Edinburgh was accompanying Queen Elizabeth on a state visit in connection with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The photograph shows Prince Philip on his new Flying Fifteen yacht Coweslip, a gift by the people of Cowes. Mr Vella's father, boatman Paul Vella, also features in the picture handling the yacht.

The yacht is seen against a background showing submarines with their depot ship, HMS Forth. At that time, Prince Philip was in Malta with the Royal Navy.

The photograph was printed in the UK boating magazine The Tatler in December 1949.

Mr Vella, commodore of the Vikings Sailing Club, said the moment he had learnt of Prince Philip's visit he went to Bellizzi Photo Studio to make an enlargement of the print which he then framed and handed over to a member of the royal household when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were in Malta.

A few days later Mr Vella received a letter of thanks from Buckingham Palace. Brigadier Sir Miles Hunt-Davis, the Duke's private secretary, wrote that Prince Philip was delighted to receive the photograph and was most grateful to Mr Vella for having taken the time and trouble to present him with such a kind gift.