Queen Elizabeth II was greeted by bad weather, tight security and flowers when she landed in Malta yesterday for a three-day state visit.

This is her fourth time in Malta, and she will open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting today.

The Queen, 89, and Prince Philip, who is four years older, arrived a few minutes after the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall landed in a private jet.

The duchess struggled with her umbrella as the wind lashed relentlessly. And in a vivid reminder of the heightened security no doubt prompted by the Paris attacks, military trucks and armed soldiers surrounded the planes.

The change in location from Valletta meant the Queen had no interaction with the public, but outside San Anton a small crowd looked on curiously

The Queen was presented with flower bouquets by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s twin daughters before boarding a black Austin Princess car that took her to San Anton Palace in Attard.

The ceremonial welcome was shifted to Attard from St George’s Square in Valletta due to the weather. The change in location meant the Queen had no interaction with the public, but outside San Anton a small crowd looked on curiously and applauded as the royal carcade drove by. Police officers with sniffer dogs patrolled the area.

The royal couple were welcomed by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and her husband, Edgar Preca. Olivia Bonnett, from the Special Olympics team, presented a bouquet to the Queen. The royals were later hosted at a State dinner by Ms Coleiro Preca.