Updated 8.45pm with Prince's speech at George Cross Ceremony

Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, has led a commemoration in Valletta to recall the granting of the George Cross to Malta at the height of the Second World War, 75 years ago. 

He arrived in the afternoon and began his two-day visit to Malta with a call on Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. He was given a ceremonial welcome at the Auberge de Castille.

He then paid a visit to St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral, whose restoration he is supporting through a "generous" undisclosed donation to the Save the Valletta Skyline Fund.

READ: Prince Charles makes 'generous' donation for Valletta Anglican cathedral restoration 

At the George Cross event, he lauded the heroism of the Maltese people.

It remained as a symbol of what the Maltese people had endured, as well as their strength and fortitude, Prince Charles said.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said the George Cross remained as a symbol synpnymous with bravery and pride.

He said what Malta's forefathers had believed in 75 years ago was not much different to what the Maltese believed in now.

Prince Charles is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the Our Ocean conference tomorrow. The global conference brings together world leaders to discuss maritime issues affecting the planet.

He will later meet participants of the Prince’s Trust International. 

Prince Charles is walked across Castille Square by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Photo: DOI/Jason Borg

Dr Muscat and Prince Charles outside the Auberge de Castille. Photo: DOI/Omar Camilleri

Prince Charles speaks to the Muscat family at the Prime Minister's office. Photo: DOI/Omar Camilleri

Prince Charles in Mdina during a previous visit. He was last in Malta in 2015.