Following an amendment to the Constitution in 1974, the monarchy was abolished, with the country becoming the Republic of Malta, and the Queen being replaced as head of state by a President, although Malta remained in the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Queen's executive powers were delegated to and exercised by the Governor-General of Malta.

[3] She referenced her 1967 visit in her Christmas Broadcast that year, saying: "Today Malta is independent, with the Crown occupying the same position as it does in the other self-governing countries of which I am Queen.

This is the opening of a new and challenging chapter for the people of Malta and they are entering it with determination and enthusiasm.

"[4] Prior to becoming queen she stayed on the islands four times between 1949 and 1951 to visit her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was stationed in Malta as a serving officer in the Royal Navy.