The British heir undertakes a two-day trip to Tallinn, highlighting military presence and support for Ukrainian refugees.
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge and heir to the British throne, arrived in Estonia for a two-day visit aimed at observing British troops deployed as part of NATO's eastern flank reinforcement.
This visit occurs amidst ongoing tensions with Russia, particularly following the country's aggression towards Ukraine.
Approximately 900 British soldiers are currently stationed in Estonia, marking one of the largest overseas deployments by the British Army.
On Friday,
Prince William donned camouflage attire and toured the strategically significant Tapa military base, which hosts NATO's eastern forces.
He engaged directly with soldiers, taking a ride in a Challenger 2 tank.
During his visit, the Duke also met with Estonian and French military personnel, showing interest in their experiences and feelings regarding the proximity of the Russian border.
This interaction reflects NATO's commitment to deterrence in the face of perceived threats from Russia.
Estonia has demonstrated strong support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, influenced by its own history of Soviet occupation.
Throughout Tallinn, Ukrainian flags adorn buildings alongside the Estonian national colors of blue, black, and white.
The country has also opened its doors to numerous families fleeing the war in Ukraine.
As part of his itinerary,
Prince William visited a school for Ukrainian refugee children, where he praised the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people.
"The Ukrainian spirit is present everywhere.
You have a wonderful spirit, and that is very important," he remarked to the students during his speech.
His visit underscores the United Kingdom's ongoing commitment to supporting both NATO's collective defense efforts and humanitarian assistance for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.