Maltese Nobility (4) : after independence

Abstract

The Maltese Islands became independent of Great Britain on September 21st, 1964. Malta opted for a Monarchical Constitution with Queen Elizabeth II of the U.K. as Queen of Malta. The Maltese Nobility was still recognised as an official body by the Maltese Government although its precedence over the judiciary was removed. On December 13th, 1974, Malta was declared a Republic within the British Commonwealth and on June 23rd, 1975, the President of the Republic Sir Anthony Mamo gave his assent to Act No. XXIX which had been brought in by the Labour Government. Part IV Section 19 of this bill reads as follows: (1) Titles of Nobility are not recognised and any privilege or other right ancillary to any such titles shall cease to have effect. (2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall prejudicially affect any proprietary right which may be competent to or may devolve on any person as the person who, but for the provisions of that subsection, would have been the holder of a title of nobility. (3) Any condition in the deed or instrument of foundation, or in a~other document, requiring the use of a title of nobility or of any proprietary right shall be without any effect whatsoever.