Malta today bid farewell to one of its most distinguished leaders, Sir Anthony Mamo, its first President, who passed away early yesterday.

Sir Anthony served as Attorney General, Chief Justice and Governor-General before being sworn in as President in 1974, holding the Office until 1976.

His death, at the age of 99, dominated the front pages of the newspapers and flags flew at half mast as tributes flowed for a man praised for his intellect, integrity, service, and also his humour.

In the morning, hundreds of people filed past his body lying in state at the entrance of the Presidential Palace in Valletta.

Republic Street was lined two and three people deep as the coffin of Sir Anthony, draped in the Maltese flag, was carried on a gun carriage from the Palace to St John’s Co-Cathedral. The cortege was led by the AFM band and members of the Cathedral Chapter.

An ensign walked behind the coffin, carrying Sir Anthony’s decorations. Behind him were the members of the family. Four soldiers, rifles reversed and heads bowed, stood at the four corners of the coffin at the foot of the altar during the Mass.

The funeral Mass was led by Archbishop Paul Cremona, who praised the late President for the way he was always aware of the presence of God and was guided by his faith. Sir Anthony’s son, John, read one of the readings. Other members of the family also took part in the ceremony.

The congregation was headed by President Eddie Fenech Adami - who today was due to have been abroad ­– as well as Chief Justice Vincent DeGaetano, the Speaker, Anton Tabone, and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. The opposition was led by MLP acting leader Charles Mangion.

The coffin was then carried out of the Co-Cathedral to the sombre toll of the bells and the State Funeral continued up a crowded Republic Street.

The funeral cortege was led by an 80-strong AFM Guard.

Next came the AFM band, drums draped in black, playing funeral marches, representatives of political parties and constituted bodies, the members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Commander, AFM, and the Police Commissioner and the Cathedral Chapter.

The coffin, carried on the gun carriage, was escorted by six army majors.

Behind the coffin walked President Eddie Fenech Adami, Sir Anthony’s family, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice and the Speaker of the House, ministers, former presidents, the Vicar General, MPs from both sides of the House, Magistrates, senior members of the civil service and the members of the public.

From City Gate the coffin was transported to Casa Arkati. A funeral service will tomorrow be held at Birkirkara, Sir Anthony’s home town, before private burial.