Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. Photo: Reuters

According to The Daily Mail, Malta has gone “Kate-crazy” as the island prepares to greet the Duchess of Cambridge to mark its Golden Jubilee since gaining its independence on September 21, 1964. The newspaper claimed people could talk of little else as its reporter travelled around Malta and Gozo. Piqued by this statement, Kim Dalli took to Valletta to join the purported excitement and discovered that the reporter might have been a tad overzealous in his assessment...

Frans Cutajar, 67, from Imqabba

“I have no idea who’s coming over for the Independence celebrations. If I had to invite someone myself, it would be Queen Elizabeth of England.”

Caroline Spiteri, 23, from Imqabba

“I have no idea who the special guest is.”

Josephine Balzan, 55, from Naxxar

Kate Middleton will be coming. I think it’s nice – she will surely be welcomed by all the Maltese. If I were to choose a foreign guest, it would be her husband and their son.

Rachel Camilleri, 16, from Żabbar

“Yes – Angelina Jolie is the special guest. If I were to choose a guest myself, I would choose [Glee actress] Lea Michele.”

Alfred Borg, 69, from Sliema

“I think the Maltese like royalty, even though we don’t have any. But we did spend many years under the British crown and I think we have a lot of respect for the royal family. If I were to pick a distinguished guest, it would be Pope Francis.”

Josefa Maria Camilleri, 23, from Qormi

“The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, is coming to Malta for the 50th anniversary celebrations of our Independence. We should be honoured that she was sent by the Queen. If I had to invite a guest, it would either be [US President Barack] Obama or Pope Francis.”

Matthew Axisa, 16, from Żebbuġ

“I have no idea who the guest of honour is.”

Emmanuel Chircop, 61, from Birżebbuġa

“Yes, Kate is coming to Malta. I’m looking forward to her visit. Were I to invite a foreign guest for the 50th anniversary celebrations, I think having Pope Francis over would nice. Or perhaps a popular singer.”

Benjamin Magro, 15, from Swieqi

“I have no idea who the guest of honour who’s meant to be coming over to Malta is. I’m not really interested.”

Diana Buhagiar, 16, from Tarxien

“Kate Middleton is the special guest who’s visiting Malta. I think it’s good she’s coming over and that she gets to enjoy our beautiful island.”