Prince William has embarked on a two-day visit to Estonia to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and the Baltic nation, particularly in light of increasing regional tensions with Russia.
During his trip, the Prince of Wales met with Estonian President Alar Karis in the capital, Tallinn, to discuss the role of British troops stationed in the country. He also visited Tapa Army Base, where UK forces are deployed as part of NATO’s efforts to deter potential Russian aggression.
The prince spent around 35 minutes in discussions with President Karis, who expressed gratitude for the continued presence of British military personnel. Estonia hosts approximately 900 UK service members, making it the largest permanent British overseas deployment.
As part of his engagements, Prince William greeted a small group of local children waving Union flags outside the Presidential Office before heading in for the meeting.
His visit primarily aligns with his role as colonel-in-chief of the Mercian Regiment. On Friday, he is set to meet soldiers from his regiment as they assume NATO defense responsibilities in Estonia, taking over from The Royal Dragoon Guard.
The UK and Estonia share a long-standing military partnership, having fought alongside each other in Afghanistan and maintaining a strong NATO alliance. Beyond defense ties, Estonia has a cultural connection with Britain, with many Estonians growing up with British television and music. Schools in Estonia also teach about the Royal Navy’s support during the country’s fight for independence after World War I.
A spokesperson from Kensington Palace emphasized the significance of the visit, stating that it highlights the strong diplomatic relationship between the UK and Estonia. The visit also serves as an opportunity for the prince to commend Estonia’s steadfast support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
"Once again, the Prince of Wales is representing the United Kingdom at the highest level on the global stage," the spokesperson added. Photo by MacroDaemon at en.wikipedia.