From Prince William's royal visit to Malta for its 50th independence anniversary celebrations to the survivors of one of the worst cases of mass murder at sea in recent years ; from bird hunters holding an illegal protest which turned violent to a bishop enjoying bird watching - Times of Malta presents a selection of some of the best photos taken over the past week by its team of photographers.

Prince William chats with a young boy outside the National Library in Valletta on September 20, shortly after arriving in Malta for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Mediterranean island's independence from Britain. Prince William replaced his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, as Britain's representative at Malta's 50th independence day celebrations, after she had to cancel her first solo royal visit outside of the United Kingdom due to acute morning sickness. Photo: Matthew MirabelliPrince William chats with a young boy outside the National Library in Valletta on September 20, shortly after arriving in Malta for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Mediterranean island's independence from Britain. Prince William replaced his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, as Britain's representative at Malta's 50th independence day celebrations, after she had to cancel her first solo royal visit outside of the United Kingdom due to acute morning sickness. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s twin daughters Soleil and Etoile Muscat give Prince William a teddy bear gift for Prince George outside Auberge de Castille in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Jason BorgPrime Minister Joseph Muscat’s twin daughters Soleil and Etoile Muscat give Prince William a teddy bear gift for Prince George outside Auberge de Castille in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Jason Borg

Prince William, accompanied by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, enters Auberge de Castille in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Jason BorgPrince William, accompanied by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, enters Auberge de Castille in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Jason Borg

Prince William waves to the small crowd that gathered in Castille Square, Valletta as he exits Auberge de Castille where he had meeting with the Prime Minister and his family on September 20. Photo: Jason BorgPrince William waves to the small crowd that gathered in Castille Square, Valletta as he exits Auberge de Castille where he had meeting with the Prime Minister and his family on September 20. Photo: Jason Borg

Participants demonstrate their sword duelling skills during the In Guardia re-enactment attended by Britain's Prince William in St George’s Square in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiParticipants demonstrate their sword duelling skills during the In Guardia re-enactment attended by Britain's Prince William in St George’s Square in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Britain's Prince William (right) talks with participants after the In Guardia re-enactment in St George’s Square in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiBritain's Prince William (right) talks with participants after the In Guardia re-enactment in St George’s Square in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge makes his way to the National Library, Valletta on September 20 during his visit to Malta to mark Malta’s 50th anniversary of Independence. Photo: Matthew MirabelliPrince William, Duke of Cambridge makes his way to the National Library, Valletta on September 20 during his visit to Malta to mark Malta’s 50th anniversary of Independence. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge walks past the statue of Queen Victoria in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Matthew MirabelliBritain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge walks past the statue of Queen Victoria in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Britain’s Prince William interacts with the crowd outside the National library on Valletta on September 20. Photo: Matthew MirabelliBritain’s Prince William interacts with the crowd outside the National library on Valletta on September 20. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A man stands on a Valletta rooftop looks across the Grand Harbour at Senglea, while waiting for a fireworks show during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20, 2014. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA man stands on a Valletta rooftop looks across the Grand Harbour at Senglea, while waiting for a fireworks show during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20, 2014. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

The Pioneer Team of Italy release flares from their planes over Valletta's Grand Harbour during Malta's independence anniversary celebrations on September 20. Photo: Paul Spiteri LucasThe Pioneer Team of Italy release flares from their planes over Valletta's Grand Harbour during Malta's independence anniversary celebrations on September 20. Photo: Paul Spiteri Lucas

People sit on a rooftop while waiting for a fireworks show during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiPeople sit on a rooftop while waiting for a fireworks show during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence in Valletta on September 20. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

The bastions of Fort St Angelo are lit as part of a spectacle held to commemorate Malta’s independence from Britain 50 years ago on September 20. Photo: Jason BorgThe bastions of Fort St Angelo are lit as part of a spectacle held to commemorate Malta’s independence from Britain 50 years ago on September 20. Photo: Jason Borg

Fireworks explode in Valletta's Grand Harbour during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20. The former British colony gained its independence on September 21, 1964. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiFireworks explode in Valletta's Grand Harbour during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20. The former British colony gained its independence on September 21, 1964. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Fireworks explode over Valletta's Grand Harbour during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20. The former British colony gained its independence on September 21, 1964. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiFireworks explode over Valletta's Grand Harbour during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20. The former British colony gained its independence on September 21, 1964. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Fireworks explode over Valletta's Grand Harbour during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20. Photo: Jason BorgFireworks explode over Valletta's Grand Harbour during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20. Photo: Jason Borg

Smoke wafts over Valletta’s Grand Harbour, partly obscuring the old naval hospital at Bighi, after a fireworks display during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiSmoke wafts over Valletta’s Grand Harbour, partly obscuring the old naval hospital at Bighi, after a fireworks display during celebrations for Malta's 50th anniversary of independence on September 20. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

People enjoy the atmosphere at Ta' Liesse in Valletta during celebrations to commemorate the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations of Independence on September 20. Photo: Jason BorgPeople enjoy the atmosphere at Ta' Liesse in Valletta during celebrations to commemorate the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations of Independence on September 20. Photo: Jason Borg

People enjoy a snack on the atmospheric bridge near Victoria Gate in Valletta as fireworks are set off to celebrate Malta’s Independence on September 20. Photo: Jason BorgPeople enjoy a snack on the atmospheric bridge near Victoria Gate in Valletta as fireworks are set off to celebrate Malta’s Independence on September 20. Photo: Jason Borg

A sniper team scout the area from on top of St John-s Co Cathedral shortly before Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrives to hear mass on September 21. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA sniper team scout the area from on top of St John-s Co Cathedral shortly before Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrives to hear mass on September 21. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The media stand is reflected in the brass ball ornament on top of an Armed Forces of Malta bandsman’s pith helmet outside St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta on September 21. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiThe media stand is reflected in the brass ball ornament on top of an Armed Forces of Malta bandsman’s pith helmet outside St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta on September 21. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Britain's Prince William waves as he arrives for High Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta on September 21, 2014. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiBritain's Prince William waves as he arrives for High Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta on September 21, 2014. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

People watch from a belfry as Britain's Prince William arrives for High Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta on September 21. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiPeople watch from a belfry as Britain's Prince William arrives for High Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta on September 21. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Prince William stops to chat with boy scouts at Vittoriosa square on September 21. Photos: Chris Sant FournierPrince William stops to chat with boy scouts at Vittoriosa square on September 21. Photos: Chris Sant Fournier

Prince William shares a joke with a boy at Vittoriosa square on September 21. Photo: Chris Sant FournierPrince William shares a joke with a boy at Vittoriosa square on September 21. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge is taken for a short cruise around the Grand Harbour on September 21. Photo: Matthew MirabelliPrince William, Duke of Cambridge is taken for a short cruise around the Grand Harbour on September 21. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Armed Forces of Malta vessels escort a dghajsa tal-pass, a traditional Maltese harbour ferry boat (centre), carrying Britain's Prince William around Valletta's Grand Harbour September 21, 2014. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiArmed Forces of Malta vessels escort a dghajsa tal-pass, a traditional Maltese harbour ferry boat (centre), carrying Britain's Prince William around Valletta's Grand Harbour September 21, 2014. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Britain's Prince William sits in a dghajsa tal-pass , a traditional Maltese harbour ferry boat (left), as Armed Forces of Malta vessels provide a security escort at Valletta's Grand Harbour on September 21. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiBritain's Prince William sits in a dghajsa tal-pass , a traditional Maltese harbour ferry boat (left), as Armed Forces of Malta vessels provide a security escort at Valletta's Grand Harbour on September 21. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Britain’s Prince William is escorted by an AFM boat as he takes a short trip around the Grand Harbour on September 21. Photo: Matthew MirabelliBritain’s Prince William is escorted by an AFM boat as he takes a short trip around the Grand Harbour on September 21. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Britain's Prince William (left) sits in a dghajsa tal-pass<i>,</i> a traditional Maltese harbour ferry boat, while watched by Armed Forces of Malta divers (rear), during a cruise round Valletta's Grand Harbour on September 21. The same boat is believed to have been used by Britain's Queen Elizabeth, between 1949 and 1951 when she was still a princess, to cross to Fort St Angelo where her husband Prince Philip was stationed. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiBritain's Prince William (left) sits in a dghajsa tal-pass, a traditional Maltese harbour ferry boat, while watched by Armed Forces of Malta divers (rear), during a cruise round Valletta's Grand Harbour on September 21. The same boat is believed to have been used by Britain's Queen Elizabeth, between 1949 and 1951 when she was still a princess, to cross to Fort St Angelo where her husband Prince Philip was stationed. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Prince William nears the end of his short cruise around the Grand Harbour aboard a traditional Maltese dghajsa tal-pass on September 21. His grand mother Queen Elizabeth II had also used the same boat whilst she was residing in Malta. Photo: Matthew MirabelliPrince William nears the end of his short cruise around the Grand Harbour aboard a traditional Maltese dghajsa tal-pass on September 21. His grand mother Queen Elizabeth II had also used the same boat whilst she was residing in Malta. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Decorations marking Independence Day hang from the Nationalist Party club in Valletta on September 19. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaDecorations marking Independence Day hang from the Nationalist Party club in Valletta on September 19. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

A woman holds a flag showing former Prime Minister George Borg Olivier at the PN meeting held on the Graneries to celebrate 50 years of Independence on September 19. Photo: Chris Sant FournierA woman holds a flag showing former Prime Minister George Borg Olivier at the PN meeting held on the Graneries to celebrate 50 years of Independence on September 19. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Hunters take to the Valletta streets in the form of a spontaneous protest on September 21. The hunters were protesting against the government&rsquo;s decision to ban all hunting till October 10. &nbsp;Several later made their way to Buskett where they attacked a group of bird watchers. Photo: Chris Sant FournierHunters take to the Valletta streets in the form of a spontaneous protest on September 21. The hunters were protesting against the government’s decision to ban all hunting till October 10.  Several later made their way to Buskett where they attacked a group of bird watchers. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna joins a group of Birdlife volunteers for a bird watching session at the same site where enthusiasts were attacked by a group of hunters a few days earlier, on September 24. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiAuxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna joins a group of Birdlife volunteers for a bird watching session at the same site where enthusiasts were attacked by a group of hunters a few days earlier, on September 24. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna joins a group of Birdlife volunteers for a bird watching session at the same site where enthusiasts were attacked by a group of hunters a few days earlier, on September 24. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiAuxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna joins a group of Birdlife volunteers for a bird watching session at the same site where enthusiasts were attacked by a group of hunters a few days earlier, on September 24. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Honey buzzards circle above Buskett as they prepare to come down and roost for the night on September 24. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiHoney buzzards circle above Buskett as they prepare to come down and roost for the night on September 24. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

(Left to right) Mohammed Ali Amadalla, Maamoun Dougmoush, and Ibrahim Ali Amadalla talk to Times of Malta at the Safi detention centre on September 18. The three Palestinians are some of the only survivors of a tragedy at sea in which around 300 migrants are believed to have drowned after smugglers rammed their boat 300 miles southeast of Malta. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina(Left to right) Mohammed Ali Amadalla, Maamoun Dougmoush, and Ibrahim Ali Amadalla talk to Times of Malta at the Safi detention centre on September 18. The three Palestinians are some of the only survivors of a tragedy at sea in which around 300 migrants are believed to have drowned after smugglers rammed their boat 300 miles southeast of Malta. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

A horse-drawn cab was badly damaged in a traffic accident, which luckily left all involved, including the animal, unhurt., near Porte De Bombes in Floriana on September 22. A grey Toyota Ractis had swerved to avoid another car, leading to the accident on a bus lane. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA horse-drawn cab was badly damaged in a traffic accident, which luckily left all involved, including the animal, unhurt., near Porte De Bombes in Floriana on September 22. A grey Toyota Ractis had swerved to avoid another car, leading to the accident on a bus lane. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A 17-year-old man suffered grievous injuries when a forklift truck toppled over in Qormi on September 19. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaA 17-year-old man suffered grievous injuries when a forklift truck toppled over in Qormi on September 19. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

A member of the 2014 Lifecycle team arrives at Malta International Airport on September 22, after completing the 2000km trip across Japan. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA member of the 2014 Lifecycle team arrives at Malta International Airport on September 22, after completing the 2000km trip across Japan. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Two children sit on top of the bicycle box after greeting a member of the Lifecycle team after returning from Japan on September 22. Photo: Matthew MirabelliTwo children sit on top of the bicycle box after greeting a member of the Lifecycle team after returning from Japan on September 22. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A prison inmate paints a canvas in the art room at Corradino Correctional Facility on September 23. The works by the inmates will be on sale during Notte Bianca and some of the proceeds towards a special fund from which participating inmates may benefit once they complete their prison term, as well as to a victims fund. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaA prison inmate paints a canvas in the art room at Corradino Correctional Facility on September 23. The works by the inmates will be on sale during Notte Bianca and some of the proceeds towards a special fund from which participating inmates may benefit once they complete their prison term, as well as to a victims fund. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

An elderly priest slowly makes his way up a hill in Vittoriosa, with the help of his walking stick on September 21. Photo: Chris Sant FournierAn elderly priest slowly makes his way up a hill in Vittoriosa, with the help of his walking stick on September 21. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Four Aida cruise liners enter Grand Harbour with about 8,000 guests on board to celebrate the 40th anniversary of DVAG, a German financial services company, on September 23, in what was the largest private function to be held in Malta. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiFour Aida cruise liners enter Grand Harbour with about 8,000 guests on board to celebrate the 40th anniversary of DVAG, a German financial services company, on September 23, in what was the largest private function to be held in Malta. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

An open-wheel racing formula car built by University students undergoes a trial run in front of Victoria Gate n Valletta on September 22, as part of a promotion for Science in the City. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiAn open-wheel racing formula car built by University students undergoes a trial run in front of Victoria Gate n Valletta on September 22, as part of a promotion for Science in the City. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A boy dives into the sea from Senglea Point on September 21. Photo: Matthew MirabelliA boy dives into the sea from Senglea Point on September 21. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

A girl plays in the fountains at St George&rsquo;s Square in Valletta on September 19. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaA girl plays in the fountains at St George’s Square in Valletta on September 19. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

A busker plays his banjo in Valletta on September 21. Photo: Mark Zammit CordinaA busker plays his banjo in Valletta on September 21. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Dancers of the Naupaca Dance Factory perform an excerpt from Divina, based on Dante&rsquo;s epic poem La Divina Commedia, during a press preview of the show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on September 18. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiDancers of the Naupaca Dance Factory perform an excerpt from Divina, based on Dante’s epic poem La Divina Commedia, during a press preview of the show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on September 18. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A dancer of the Naupaca Dance Factory performs an excerpt from Divina, based on Dante&rsquo;s epic poem La Divina Commedia, during a press preview of the show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on September 18. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA dancer of the Naupaca Dance Factory performs an excerpt from Divina, based on Dante’s epic poem La Divina Commedia, during a press preview of the show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on September 18. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A dancer of the Naupaca Dance Factory performs an excerpt from Divina, based on Dante&rsquo;s epic poem La Divina Commedia, during a press preview of the show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on September 18. Photo: Darrin Zammit LupiA dancer of the Naupaca Dance Factory performs an excerpt from Divina, based on Dante’s epic poem La Divina Commedia, during a press preview of the show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on September 18. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

 

 

 

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