Anthony Spiteri Debono, president's husband, dies aged 78

President Myriam Spiteri Debono’s husband Anthony died on Thursday following an illness, the office of the president announced. He was 78.

A notary by profession, Spiteri Debono largely avoided the spotlight brought about by his wife’s role.

He told TVM in 2024 that he was planning to retire prior to his wife’s nomination as president.

“I will try to support her as best I can as long as she lets me. Obviously, she has her own ideas, ” he told TVM in March 2024.

Spiteri Debono was formally sworn in as Malta’s 11^th president in April 2024. Her nomination as president received unanimous support from parliament.

Announcing Spiteri Debono's death, the office of the president requested the family's privacy be respected.

The government expressed its sorrow at Spiteri Debono's death, with Prime Minister Robert Abela describing him as humble and a gentleman. 

Abela offered his condolences to the Spiteri Debono family on behalf of the government. Archbishop Charles Scicluna and the Speaker also joined in offering condolences to the family.

Both mainstream political parties paid their respects to the late notary, who was the father of three children, Elena, George and Maria Kristina.

The Labour Party said Spiteri Debono would be remembered for his "humility and for how gentlemanly he was throughout his professional career and personal life".

The PN called him a "strong pillar of support to his family, particularly to his wife in all her roles, including that of president".

"A man of few words who was an anchor for his family, Spiteri Debono will be remembered for his humility and deep respect for others – a respect that was, and remains, mutual among all who knew him", the party said. 

Opposition leader Bernard Grech described him as a "genuine and kind-hearted man", recalling "fond memories" of their time together at law school.

European Parliament president Roberta Metsola said Spiteri Debono's death had "shocked and saddened" her.

Writing on Facebook, she described him as someone "capable of conveying a message with words, with silence and with a look".

"In every conversation I had with him, I could always see a man who was contributing during the Presidency of Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono... My heartfelt condolences to the entire family at this difficult moment."

Malta's green party called the late notary a "support and shoulder for the president".