Britain has approximately 900 soldiers in Estonia and Poland as part of ‘Operation Cabrit’, the British contribution to the deployment of NATO forces on the alliance’s eastern edge after Russia invades Ukraine.
Prince William wore combat gear to travel to British soldiers in Estonia on Friday to emphasize his country’s solidarity with NATO operations in Eastern Europe. William, the heir to the British throne and the eldest son of King Charles, was in Tapa camp, some 200 km (125 miles) from the Russian border, checking infantry fighting vehicles and riding on a tank in full, camouflaged military fatigues.
Britain currently has approximately 900 troops in Estonia and Poland under ‘Operation Cabrit’, the British contribution to NATO’s build-up on the alliance’s eastern flank after Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. The two-day visit of the prince followed Britain and other European allies increasing defence spending in a reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands that other NATO countries contribute more towards Europe’s defence.
William was photographed standing in front of coils of barbed wire and in front of clouds of yellow smoke as he watched a trench-clearing exercise. He also witnessed a handover ceremony from the Royal Dragoon Guards who had just completed their deployment at Tapa to the Mercian Regiment who are beginning their six-month tour. He is Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment.
From field training to weapons systems operation, this deployment is crucial! So great to witness the commitment and skill of our troops in action,” William’s Kensington Palace office tweeted on X. The symbolic visit was William’s first to the Baltic nation. Two years ago, he travelled to British troops in Poland who were engaged in supporting Ukraine.
He was set to listen to troops talk about their experiences of being deployed and speak with the army’s welfare support officers about mental health.
