Prince William this morning joined local dignitaries for Thanksgiving Mass at  St John's Co-Cathedral  to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Independence.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca led the congregation, which included the prime minister, the leader of the opposition, the judiciary and the diplomatic corps.

Archbishop Paul Cremona led the Mass with Gozo Bishop Mario Grech (see homily in separate story).

An AFM contingent formed on St John Square and accorded the salute before the Mass.

On arrival Prince William stood on a dais as the AFM band played the God Save the Queen.

Later the band played with Maltese National Anthem for the President, who inspected the guard.

Prince William will this afternoon visit the Acess Centre in Vittoriosa to discuss youth services. He will also visit St Lawrence Church and will be taken on a harbour cruise.

His last appointment will be a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner.

Picture - Paul Spiteri Lucas

Picture - Darrin Zammit Lupi