After the events of the French Blockade in 1800, the British Empire eventually gained full sovereignty over Malta and its people. Malta spent over 150 years under the British rule, a period that has shaped Malta’s cultural heritage through the years, with some influences being strongly present to this day. After Malta’s effort and bravery in the Second World War, negotiations for the country’s independence were being discussed.

 

However, even though Malta officially achieved Independence on the 21st September 1964, a treaty with the British Empire remained in full force until Malta became a Republic a decade later. This treaty stated that Malta, now an Independent Sovereign State and a member of the Commonwealth, would still serve as a British Military base with the Queen of Malta, Elizabeth II, acting as a Head of State.

 

Upon being re-elected into power in 1971, the Labour Government worked towards re-negotiating this constitutional treaty, making Malta a Republic in 1974. This amended treaty allowed British troops and the Royal Navy, to use Malta as a naval base, effectively maintaining Malta’s ties with the United Kingdom through both financial and defensive support.

 

Marking the fulfilment of this treaty, the remaining British Forces left Malta on the 31st of March 1979. That day, Malta became independent de facto (by fact) and de jure (by law), appropriately being christened as Freedom Day

troops left Malta after their presence in our islands, dating back to 1800