In the heart of Qawra, Malta, nestled among the vibrant tourist scene, stands Diana's pub – a haven for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Brothers Noel and Silvio Farrugio, proud owners of this unconventional establishment, share a unique connection with the late Princess Diana, transforming their pub into a captivating shrine of memorabilia that has intrigued patrons for decades.
Initiated in the early 1990s by the Farrugio patriarch, a devoted admirer of the iconic royal figure, the pub assumed its current identity in 1996, forever aligning its fate with the memory of Diana. Stepping into this quaint space, adorned with an unmistakable sign featuring the radiant face of the 'People's Princess,' visitors are surrounded by a mesmerizing display of history. Plates, photos, and portraits generously cover the walls, narrating the timeless tale of Lady Di.
Noel shares intriguing details – two prints of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip once graced their grandmother's house, but the overwhelming majority of the exhibited pieces are heartfelt gifts from Diana enthusiasts and patrons of the pub. The Farrugio family, long-standing admirers of the princess, have witnessed the ebb and flow of Diana's popularity on the island. Silvio reminisces about a time when fans would annually lay flowers at the pub, marking the solemn anniversary of Diana's untimely demise.
While interest may have waned in recent years, the resurgence of Diana's allure is palpable, fueled by the global phenomenon of Netflix's "The Crown." The pub, akin to a quasi-shrine, has found itself embraced by a new audience eager to connect with the enigmatic legacy of the beloved princess.
Beyond the spectacle of memorabilia, Diana's pub offers more than meets the eye. As Liam, a 28-year-old traveler from Liverpool, lounges at an outdoor table basking in the warm November sun, he reveals that Diana holds little personal significance for him, having been just a toddler at the time of her passing. However, he frequents the pub for a different reason – the delectable traditional British pub fare, including a ribeye steak dish, and a vibrant orange cocktail, aptly named after the timeless Princess Diana.
Amidst the eclectic blend of local Maltese accents and the chatter of British, Italian, French, and German voices, Diana's pub remains a testament to the enduring allure of Princess Diana, transcending generations and captivating the hearts of those seeking a unique blend of history, nostalgia, and jovial camaraderie.
In the autumnal embrace of Malta, two sisters in their sixties embark on an annual pilgrimage, drawn by the irresistible allure of a quaint pub that has become a cherished monument to their favorite royal – Princess Diana. As they step into the familiar surroundings, their faces light up with reverence. "She was an angel," declares Pauline, the elder sibling, reflecting on Diana's profound impact. "She made the world a better place, and I'm just so glad I got to be on earth at the same time as her."
Amid the hum of patrons, a question lingers – did Diana ever grace the pub or the island with her presence? The truth unravels in the midst of conversations; Diana never set foot in this establishment. Yet, the Maltese people, known for their affection toward the British royal family, have forged a bond that transcends physical visits. The sentiment, it seems, is reciprocal.
Delving into the historical tapestry of royal connections, it emerges that from 1949 to 1951, the then-princess, Queen Elizabeth, made several enchanting visits to Malta alongside her husband, Prince Philip. The couple immersed themselves in Maltese life, residing at Villa Guardamangia just beyond Valletta. Kenneth Gambin of Heritage Malta paints a vivid picture – Elizabeth bidding farewell to Philip at the Harbour Fire Command station, or cheering him on at polo matches in Marsa. While the Villa undergoes refurbishment to transform into a museum, enthusiasts need not despair, for another Diana-themed haven awaits.
A short journey away in the town of Sliema stands the Lady Di – a pub veiled in subtlety, unlike its Qawra counterpart. Save for a modest sign, there are no overt proclamations of homage to the late royal. Venturing inside, a scene unfolds – an anonymous lump of meat and a man honing knives hint at the establishment's more rustic character. Ordering a pint of Strongbow, I find solace in the outdoor seating area, where friendly locals share tales.
Frankie Cutajar, the visionary behind Lady Di, opened its doors on the day of Diana's marriage to Charles in 1981. Kurt and Andrew, friends in their early forties, echo the sentiment of countless patrons. To them, the pub is not just a place for camaraderie; it is an ode to Diana herself. "Can you think of a better person to name anything after? I can't," declares Andrew. Memories unfold, recalling the 1980s and 90s when pubs echoed with patrons raising their glasses, toasting with a timeless refrain: "God save the Queen." In the Lady Di, this sentiment resonates, creating an intimate space where the echoes of the past mingle with the present, and the spirit of Princess Diana lives on in the hearts of patrons old and new.
In the tapestry of Malta's royal connections, one man stands as the architect of a unique tribute – Frankie Cutajar, the proprietor of Lady Di, a pub that has etched its place in history. Opening its doors on the symbolic date of July 29, 1981, the day of Princess Diana's union with Charles, Frankie recounts a promise made in the corridors of London's elite circles. Through a well-connected friend, fate led him to meet the Princess of Wales, and in that encounter, he pledged to name his establishment after her. A promise sealed in sincerity, and even endorsed by Buckingham Palace through a letter now safely stored away.
As Lady Di thrives in its homage, a trio of patrons adds a dynamic twist to the narrative. Andrew and Kurt, conversational regulars, assert that the majority of Maltese people hold affection for the entire royal family, a sentiment echoed less fervently by Frankie's son Keith, Lady Di's co-landlord. Having spent a lifetime at the bar, Keith's loyalty remains steadfast to Diana, but his sentiments towards King Charles present a stark contrast. A hypothetical scenario unfolds – if Charles were to stroll in, seeking a rechristening in honor of Queen Camilla, Keith's response is unequivocal: "I'd simply ignore him. He doesn't deserve my attention."
Meanwhile, at Diana's pub in Qawra, Silvio, mirroring Keith's sentiment, contemplates the hypothetical request. "If Charles came here and asked me to rename the pub after Queen Camilla, I'd have to refuse – no one would come." The resonance between the two establishments reflects a shared conviction – the British royal family may forever be intertwined with Malta, yet it is the enduring legacy of Diana that prevails, reigning supreme on this Mediterranean island.
In this corner of the world, where tradition and homage converge, Lady Di stands not just as a pub but as a living testament to a promise made decades ago, where the spirit of Princess Diana continues to cast its enchanting spell, refusing to be overshadowed by the winds of change or the passage of time.
In the heart of Qawra, Malta, a pub stands as a vibrant testament to a timeless connection with Princess Diana. Walk into this enchanting space, and you'll find yourself surrounded by a symphony of Lady Di memorabilia, an intricate tapestry woven by the passion of its custodians, Silvio and Noel Farrugio. Their beloved Diana's pub, an ode to the People's Princess, is not just a watering hole but a living mosaic of history and devotion.
The story unfolds with Frankie Cutajar, a visionary who, on the historic day of Diana's marriage to Charles in 1981, breathed life into the Lady Di. A promise made in elite circles of London found fruition as Frankie, guided by a well-connected friend, met the Princess of Wales. In that fateful encounter, he pledged to name his establishment after her – a commitment sealed not just in words but endorsed by Buckingham Palace itself, a letter attesting to the authenticity of his tribute, carefully preserved in storage.
As Silvio and Noel stand proudly outside their pub, the spirit of Lady Di emanates from every corner. Plates, photos, and portraits adorn the walls, creating an immersive experience for patrons. It's not merely a place to raise a glass; it's a pilgrimage for those who seek to bask in the glow of Diana's legacy.
But the enchantment doesn't end in Qawra. Journey thirty minutes away, and you'll find another Diana-themed haven in Sliema – the Lady Di, a more understated tribute, save for a modest sign. Inside, amidst the clinking of glasses and the scent of traditional British pub fare, the echoes of Diana's presence resonate.
Saskia O'Donoghue, capturing the essence of this duality, paints a vivid picture of two pubs, not just as establishments but as cultural landmarks. Lady Di has become a part of the Maltese landscape, each corner narrating a story, each artifact echoing the sentiment of those who frequent its embrace.
In the midst of this dual tribute, one cannot help but be captivated by the unwavering dedication of those who keep Diana's legacy alive. Silvio and Noel, Frankie Cutajar, and the patrons who frequent these establishments stand as guardians of a connection that transcends time and space. These pubs are not merely plastered with Lady Di memorabilia; they are living monuments to a timeless love affair between a princess and a community that refuses to let her light fade.
In the twilight embrace of Qawra and Sliema, the dual tribute to Princess Diana unfolds through the lively echoes of Diana's pubs. Silvio and Noel Farrugio, along with visionary Frankie Cutajar, have transformed mere establishments into cultural landmarks, where the walls tell stories, and the air is thick with the reverence for the People's Princess. Lady Di's legacy lives on not just in plates and portraits but in the hearts of patrons who have made these pubs a pilgrimage site, where history and devotion converge.
The resonance of Diana's presence, though absent in the physical realm, pulsates through the Lady Di establishments. Frankie's promise, backed by a royal endorsement, has manifested into an enduring homage that defies the passage of time. The commitment is not just a nod to history but a promise kept, sealed in a letter that rests in storage, a silent witness to the authenticity of their tribute.
As Silvio and Noel stand proudly outside their beloved pub and patrons in Sliema raise their glasses in a more understated tribute, a common sentiment emerges — a refusal to let go of Diana's light. In these pubs, she reigns supreme, casting an enchanting spell that transcends borders and generations. The dual dedication becomes more than memorabilia; it is a living monument to a timeless love affair between a princess and a community unwilling to let her legacy fade.
In the culmination of these narratives, we find not just the plastering of Lady Di memorabilia but a celebration of a profound connection that Malta shares with Princess Diana. As we step away from the lively ambiance of Qawra and Sliema, the conclusion is clear — in the hearts of those who frequent these establishments, the spirit of Diana lives on, forever illuminating the cultural landscape of Malta.