It’s the model for the future Commonwealth which has worked for 50 years, Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.
Malta is this year marking two big milestones in its 8,000 years history.
With the bigger emphasis currently on its independence 60 years ago.
Independence, many might imagine is still dependence if you’re still run by another’s head of state.
And that most anglophile of former colonies Malta set the tone when they moved from a monarch to their own president in December 1974.
Which is what another of our favourite islands Barbados struck out for three years ago.
Republics in a Commonwealth
It may surprise to see that 36 of the 56 member states in what is now the Commonwealth of Nations are republics.
Although for now Australia where King Charles III is in the eye of the storm from an aboriginal activist senator retains the monarch as their head of state.
The lesson of Malta, Barbados, Australia or anywhere on whom the sun never set is that Britain leaves behind their towel wherever they go.
Malta has taken that to heart with its George Cross award, right-hand roads and red post and telephone boxes.
Which I took back to the motherland in the shape of a telephone box pencil sharpener, or parer.
Britain’s island in the sun
Of course, it is these reminders of Britannia which has made Malta so popular with limey tourists, Britain’s Med island in the sun.
Ourselves included, over 60 years.
Including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who was stationed here as a naval officer after World War II.
And his successor as Duke of Edinburgh, their youngest Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Duchess.
Come back America and Ireland
As a postscript while there is a movement away from monarchy there are others who want in.
The republics of South Sudan, Sudan and Suriname have formally made applications to join the Commonwealth.
The eligibility rules are to entertain those with ‘a historic constitutional association with an existing Commonwealth member, save in exceptional circumstances.’
And making that topical the ‘exceptional circumstances’ were cited to bring in former Belgian colony Rwanda.
Which was then proposed as a dumping ground by Britain for illegal immigrants.
Britain, of course, always keen to keep all their options open have held the door open to some old colonies.
Meaning the US (Thirteen Colonies), Israel (Mandate for Palestine), Republic of Ireland (Irish Free State), and the Persian Gulf states.
Hold the towel
But while they wait for the telegram, or email as it is today.
Britain, with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh holding the towel, will continue to celebrate.
Malta’s republic a jewel in Britain’s crown.
