This office replaced that of the governor, and it was replaced by that of president upon the proclamation of the Republic of Malta on 13 December 1974.

The governor-general of Malta was the representative of the monarch in Malta and exercised most of the powers of the monarch.

The governor-general was appointed for an indefinite term, serving at the pleasure of the monarch.

The governor-general was appointed solely on the advice of the Cabinet of Malta without the involvement of the British government.

In the event of a vacancy, the chief justice served as the officer administering the government.