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Prince William in Malta: Mass marks 50 years of independence Prince William in Malta: Mass marks 50 years of independence
(about 3 hours later)
The Duke of Cambridge has attended a mass in Malta to celebrate the country's 50 years of independence. The Duke of Cambridge has attended a Mass in Malta to celebrate the country's 50 years of independence.
Leading national figures were also at the mass at St John's Co-Cathedral in the capital Valletta.Leading national figures were also at the mass at St John's Co-Cathedral in the capital Valletta.
It is believed to be the first time that the prince has attended a public Catholic mass. It is believed to be the first time that the prince has attended a public Catholic Mass.
He is a replacement for the Duchess of Cambridge, who had to withdraw on doctors' advice after suffering severe morning sickness.He is a replacement for the Duchess of Cambridge, who had to withdraw on doctors' advice after suffering severe morning sickness.
It would have been the first solo official overseas visit for the duchess, who is pregnant with her second child.It would have been the first solo official overseas visit for the duchess, who is pregnant with her second child.
During the mass, prayers were said and hymns sung in thanksgiving for the five decades of self-rule since Malta gained its independence from the UK on 21 September 1964. During the Mass, prayers were said and hymns sung in thanksgiving for the five decades of self-rule since Malta gained its independence from the UK on 21 September 1964.
The prince sat in the front pew with Britain's high commissioner to Malta, Rob Luke, during the hour-long mass at the lavish cathedral.The prince sat in the front pew with Britain's high commissioner to Malta, Rob Luke, during the hour-long mass at the lavish cathedral.
It was built in the 16th century as the church of the Order of the Knights of St John, former rulers of Malta.It was built in the 16th century as the church of the Order of the Knights of St John, former rulers of Malta.
On Saturday, Prince William told Malta's President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca that his wife was feeling "so-so".On Saturday, Prince William told Malta's President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca that his wife was feeling "so-so".
He also told the president: "I was asking my grandmother all about her time in Malta just a week ago. I'm very interested in the history."He also told the president: "I was asking my grandmother all about her time in Malta just a week ago. I'm very interested in the history."
The Queen lived in Malta at various times between 1949 and 1951, when the Duke of Edinburgh was on naval service.The Queen lived in Malta at various times between 1949 and 1951, when the Duke of Edinburgh was on naval service.
Also on Saturday, Prince William met Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and was shown documents in Malta's national library, including letters from his royal ancestors Henry VIII and George II.Also on Saturday, Prince William met Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and was shown documents in Malta's national library, including letters from his royal ancestors Henry VIII and George II.
He also saw the original citation awarding the George Cross to Malta for its bravery in facing a sustained bombardment by Germany and Italy during World War II, when it was a vital British base in the Mediterranean.He also saw the original citation awarding the George Cross to Malta for its bravery in facing a sustained bombardment by Germany and Italy during World War II, when it was a vital British base in the Mediterranean.