President Myriam Spiteri Debono’s husband Anthony died on Thursday following an illness, the office of the president has said. He was 78.
A notary by profession, Spiteri Debono largely shunned the spotlight brought about by his wife’s role.
He told TVM in 2024 that he was planning to retire prior to his wife’s nomination as president.
“I will try to support her as best I can as long as she lets me. Obviously, she has her own ideas, ” he told TVM in March 2024.
Spiteri Debono formally sworn in as Malta’s 11th president in April 2024.
Her nomination as president received unanimous support from parliament.
Announcing Spiteri Debono’s death, the office of the president requested the family’s privacy be respected.
The government expressed its sorrow at Spiteri Debono’s death, with Prime Minister Robert Abela describing him as humble and a gentleman.
Abela offered his condolences to the Spiteri Debono family on behalf of the government. The Speaker joined in offering condolences to the family.