King Charles spent two years of his childhood in Malta, calling Villa Guardamangia his home between 1949 and 1951. The historic palazzo featured six bedrooms and three bathrooms, a grand living room, and several areas for guests and staff.

The property is spread out over 5,000 square feet, and Malta is the only place outside of the UK where the late Queen Elizabeth II ever lived. The late Queen, who died aged 96 in 2022, previously spoke of her love for Malta. She said, “Visiting Malta is always very special for me… I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married.”

The property was loaned to the late royal couple by Prince Philip’s beloved uncle Lord Louis Mountbatten, who rented it from the Schembri family

It was earlier reported that Villa Guardamangia, which is located just outside of Valetta, was set to be transformed into a museum.

Since leaving Malta in 1951, the royal couple had paid various visits to the residence on multiple occasions – including a 1992 state visit.

In 2007, the couple visited the residence to mark their 60th wedding anniversary.

Last year, on the 60th anniversary of the island nation’s independence, Prince Edward and his wife Duchess Sophie visited the Maltese property.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit was the first time other members of the Royal Family had set foot inside Villa Guardamangia since 1951, according to Buckingham Palace.

The Palace also revealed that the couple were photographed wandering the villa’s verdant gardens while bells were sounded in the distance – which were rung by a local priest in honor of the royals’ visit.