Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency: Newsflash
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An artist based in Malta has sent a postcard to Queen Elizabeth II asking for her opinion on the country’s debate about the relocation of a colonial monument of Queen Victoria.
Keit Bonnici, 28, an artist educated at Goldsmiths in London and currently based in Malta, produced a handmade postcard which he sent to Buckingham Palace asking for the Queen’s opinion on a local debate.
The debate is over a statue of Queen Victoria located in the centre of the Maltese capital Valletta.
The statue, positioned outside the national library, was erected in 1891 and commemorated Queen Victoria’s 50th Jubilee.
Keit told Newsflash: “Postcards are meant to be sent out, so I thought I would post one to Queen Elizabeth to find out what she thinks about the debate surrounding her great-great-grandmother, after all, she is the closest living relative.”
The artist added: “I included a return address, I’m expecting a reply.”
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Keit produced the postcard himself and included a handwritten message in Maltese which read: “Dear Elizabeth, In Malta, we’re having a national debate on whether we should remove the statue of your ancestor Queen Victoria, the great-great-grandmother of Europe who sits in the heart of Valletta.
“What are your personal thoughts on a nation debating the removal of a sculpture of your predecessor?”
When Newsflash asked Keit about his own opinion, he replied: “My view on this matter is not important, I’m just asking the questions.”
The artist believes it is up to the Maltese people to decide what to do with the statue, but he is interested in hearing the Queen’s thoughts on the matter.
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Keit told Newsflash: “Even though the majority of Maltese people are happy with our independence, there is still a minority of people who remain loyal to the crown.
“There is currently a debate in Malta about removing the statue of Queen Victoria from the capital Valletta. Some see it as a symbol of oppression, while others see it as an important piece of history.”
Malta was a British colony until 1964, but initially retained Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Malta, with a Governor-General exercising authority on her behalf.
In 1974, it became a republic within the Commonwealth with a president as head of state.
In March 1979, the British withdrew the last troops and the Royal Navy. This day is known as Freedom Day when Malta declared itself as a neutral and non-aligned state.