The Monarch lived on the island after marrying the Duke of Edinburgh, who had been made second-in-command of HMS Chequers in 1949. The royal couple stayed at Villa Guardamangia, owned by Philip's uncle Lord Mountbatten.

       Her Majesty spoke candidly about her experience in Malta during a trip there in 2015.

       She said: “Visiting Malta is very special for me.

       “I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married.”

       Prince Philip died in April this year, but memories the couple made during their stay in Malta were thoroughly documented by royal experts.

       Royal author Ingrid Seward wrote in her book Prince Philip Revealed: A Man of His Century how Lord Mountbatten described the Queen to his daughter, Lady Pamela Hicks.

       He wrote: "Lilibet is quite enchanting, and I've lost whatever of my heart is left to spare entirely to her."

       He added: "She dances quite divinely and always wanted to Samba when we danced together and has said some very nice things about my dancing."

       Ms Seward also quoted Lady Abel Smith, one of Elizabeth's ladies-in-waiting, who described the parties that took place in Malta.

       DON'T MISS

       Queen awards George Cross to NHS for staff's courage and compassion [INSIGHT]

       Harry and Meghan trigger royal crisis in Commonwealth [POLL]

       'A Queen who will leave her mark' Kate Middleton is a campaigner [ANALYSIS]