Prince William to Visit Estonia in Support of British Troops and NATO
Prince William will visit Estonia next week to meet British troops stationed there as part of NATO’s efforts to deter Russian aggression. The visit, scheduled for March 20th - 21st, will focus on Operation Cabrit, the UK’s military contribution to NATO’s eastern flank. As Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, he will observe training exercises and take part in a handover ceremony between the Mercian Regiment and The Royal Dragoon Guards. He will also meet with Estonian President Alar Karis and visit a school for displaced Ukrainian teachers and children.
The trip comes at a crucial time as tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine continue to rise. Estonia, which shares a border with Russia, has been a strong supporter of Ukraine and recently cut its reliance on Russian electricity by joining the European Union’s power grid. In addition to his military engagements, the Prince will learn about Estonia’s advancements in renewable energy and technology. His visit highlights the UK’s commitment to European security, especially after recent concerns over NATO funding sparked by Donald Trump’s comments.
This marks William’s first visit to Estonia, and it is seen as part of his growing role on the international stage. A palace source described it as a chance to reinforce the "close relationship between the crown and armed forces," a connection that remains central to his future responsibilities. The Royal Family has been active in supporting the military, with Prince Edward visiting Estonia in 2022 and King Charles recently meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
