Prince William will travel to Estonia next week to visit British troops supporting NATO operations there as part of the UK’s efforts to strengthen ties with its allies and reinforce its commitment to the defence of the alliance’s eastern flank.
The two-day visit, beginning on March 20, will be his first to Estonia, which shares its eastern border with Russia.
It will include engagements in Tallinn, where William will learn more about Estonia’s response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Kensington Palace announced on Wednesday.
He is also set to meet Estonian President Alar Karis and learn about the country’s advancements in renewable energy and technology.
Britain has around 900 troops stationed in Estonia and Poland as part of ‘Operation Cabrit’, the UK’s contribution to NATO’s military presence on its eastern flank following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The royal’s visit comes amid growing concerns over European defence spending after US President Donald Trump said other NATO nations must increase their contributions or risk losing US protection.
Last month, British media reported that Baltic states were unhappy about being excluded from a summit in London to discuss Ukraine.
Two years ago, he visited British soldiers in Poland supporting Ukraine.
His latest trip is primarily for visiting the British army’s Mercian Regiment, of which he is colonel-in-chief. His uncle, Prince Edward, also visited British troops in Estonia in 2022.
Reuters
