INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
palazzo-style mansion on the outskirts of the Maltese capital Valletta.Between 1949 and 1951 it was a royal residence while Philip served on
HMS Chequers with the Royal Navy Mediterranean Fleet.Those early years of marriage were perhaps the closest the couple got to "normal life"
before her coronation in 1953.Image:The exterior may have seen better days but the estate agent says it has potentialAs well as the
bedrooms, the villa has three bathrooms, a grand living room, sea views, a roof terrace, guest and servant quarters and "great historical
value", according to estate agents Homes of Quality.But, despite its regal history, it looks a little dilapidated these days, with gardens
overgrown and the exterior somewhat faded.Image:Villa Guardamangia is in Pieta, just outside VallettaThe estate agent describes it as "just
crying out for a great conversion" but promises it could become a "superb residence or possibly a commercial venue".The property, which
visiting the country was "always very special for me"."I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married."
