On December 13th 1974, the Maltese constitution was substantially revised.
This effectively changed Malta from being a Commonwealth realm into a republic. The British monarch was no longer head of state and Sir Anthony Mamo became the first president of Malta. Sir Anthony remains to this day the only person from outside politics to have occupied the post.
The decision to become a republic was driven by the political climate of the time. The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Dom Mintoff, pursued a foreign policy emphasising neutrality and independence. Mintoff championed that Malta’s destiny lay in charting its course, free from the vestiges of colonial influence.
Despite independence and becoming a republic, British troops did not leave Malta until March 31st 1979; this was the first time in its long history that Malta was free from foreign soldiers. That day is commemorated by another public holiday – Freedom Day.
December 13th is also the Feast Day of Saint Lucia, the patron saint of Malta.