Prince William watching the In Guardia parade with the Prime Minister and Mrs Muscat.Prince William watching the In Guardia parade with the Prime Minister and Mrs Muscat.

Update 1 - Prince William started his two day visit to Malta this afternoon by calling on the President and the Prime Minister.

He called at San Anton Palace shortly after arriving in Malta on an Air Malta flight and later was driven to the Auberge de Castille, where Prime Minister Joseph Muscat greeted him at the foot of the steps along with his wife and their two young daughters. Prince William took a particular interst in a teddy bear which one of the girls gave him for his son Prince George.

Soldiers in ceremonial white uniforms lined the steps and presented arms as the Prince waved to a small crowd, consisting only of tourists. Some of them admitted they were there by coincidence. One couple expressed surprise that there were no Maltese onlookers. 

After his formal meeting with the prime minister, the prince, accompanied by Dr Muscat and Mrs Muscat watched an In-Guardia historical re-enactment in Palace Square, which has been decorated in white and red banners for the occasion.

After the re-enactment Prince William walked the short distance to the National Library, shaking hands with some people, again mostly tourists.

Prince William is in Malta as the guest of honour for the festivities marking 50 years of Independence.

Prince William's grandfather, Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh had been in Malta 50 years ago to hand over the instruments of independence. This evening he will be guest of honour at a reception at the Upper Barrakka to see a lights show over Grand Harbour. He will deliver an address.

The highlight of the festivities will be a lights and fireworks show in Grand Harbour this evening. 

During tonight's show, Joseph Calleja will sing “Nessun Dorma" while Miriam Cauchi will sing the National Anthem.

Performances by various artistes will be projected on the bastions of Fort St Angelo.

Aircraft of the AFM will perform a low-level flypast. Prince William will unveil a commemorative plaque, not  far from a plaque unveiled by the Queen when she was in Malta with Prince Philip for their sixtieth wedding anniversary.

A gun salute will be fired from the antique guns of the Saluting Battery.

Prince William planted a tree at San AntonPrince William planted a tree at San Anton

The scene during rehearsals yesterday. Photo - Mariella Scicluna - mynews@timesofmalta.comThe scene during rehearsals yesterday. Photo - Mariella Scicluna - mynews@timesofmalta.com

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