Prince William Visits British Troops in Estonia to Support NATO Operations

March 21, 2025, 23:30 IST – Estonia

Prince William, heir to the British throne, visited British troops stationed in Estonia on Friday, reinforcing his country's commitment to NATO operations in Eastern Europe. This visit coincides with heightened defense spending by Britain and other European allies in response to security challenges following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

William's two-day trip took him to Tapa camp, situated approximately 200 kilometers (about 125 miles) from the Russian border, where he donned full military gear, including camouflaged fatigues. During his visit, he inspected infantry fighting vehicles and experienced a ride on a tank, keen to connect with the soldiers on the ground.

The Prince's visit comes as Britain maintains about 900 troops in Estonia and Poland through 'Operation Cabrit', part of NATO's efforts to strengthen forces along its eastern flank. His engagement included observing a trench clearance exercise while standing in front of barbed wire and amidst clouds of yellow smoke, showcasing the readiness and professionalism of the British forces.

As the Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, Prince William participated in a handover ceremony where the Royal Dragoon Guards concluded their deployment at Tapa camp, passing responsibilities to the Mercian Regiment, who will undertake a six-month tour. His office at Kensington Palace shared a post on X, praising the troops' dedication and expertise, stating, “From field training to weapon systems operation, this deployment is key! So brilliant to see the dedication and expertise of our troops in action."

This marks William's first visit to Estonia, following his previous trip to Poland two years ago, where he met with British soldiers supporting Ukraine. During his time in Estonia, he plans to engage with the troops to hear about their experiences and will also address issues related to mental well-being with army welfare support officers.

The visit underlines Britain’s ongoing commitment to NATO and reflects the alliance's collective approach to ensuring the security of its member states in light of recent geopolitical developments.