On Republic Day each year, the President, on behalf of the government and people of Malta, pays public tribute to a number of Maltese citizens who distinguish themselves in different fields of endeavour, by appointing them to The National Order of Merit or to the Xirka Ġieħ ir-Repubblika, or by awarding them the Midalja għall-Qlubija or the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika. Nationals of other countries may be conferred with honorary membership of the Order or of the Xirka or awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika on an honorary basis.
This year’s Investiture Ceremony again took place at The Palace, Valletta, on Monday 13 December 2021, immediately following the customary Ceremonial Parade held at the Palace Square.
During the ceremony, President George Vella appointed fifteen members, including one organisation, to The National Order of Merit. Two individuals were awarded the Midalja għall-Qlubija and eleven others were awarded the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika.