Under the new Constitution of Malta, approved in a referendum held in May of that year, Queen Elizabeth II became the Queen of Malta.

Her constitutional roles were delegated to the governor-general of Malta.

Between 1964 and 1974, Elizabeth II visited Malta once, in November 1967.

The following governors-general held office in Malta between 1964 and 1974: The following held office as prime minister (and head of government) of the State of Malta during this period: On 13 December 1974, following amendments to the Constitution by the Labour government of Dom Mintoff, the monarchy was abolished and Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth with the function of head of state vested in a president appointed by Parliament.

The last governor-general, Sir Anthony Mamo, was appointed the first president of Malta.