Princess Anne to attend Independence commemoration

Princess Anne, who was last in Malta in April 2002 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the award of the George Cross to the island, will be here again next week to commemorate another historical event - independence.

The Princess Royal will be in Malta for three days to attend ceremonies marking the 40th anniversary of Malta's independence.

On Monday, she calls on President Eddie Fenech Adami and also attend a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Royal Air Force Memorial, in Floriana. The memorial had been inaugurated by the Queen in May 1954.

The following day, Princess Anne will attend Independence Day Pontifical Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral, in Valletta and lay flowers at the Independence Monument, in Floriana.

She will attend a reception on board the visiting Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans and visit the Malta Maritime Museum, the Malta at War Museum and Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija. In the evening, she will attend the Independence Day concert by the National Orchestra at The Palace, Valletta, and be the guest of the President at dinner.

On Wednesday, the Princess Royal, accompanied by Catherine Gonzi, the Prime Minister's wife, will visit the Regional Community Resource Centre, in Vittoriosa. Princess Anne will also visit the Cottonera Sports Complex and St Joseph Home, Santa Venera.