The Prince of Wales is visiting Estonia, his first-ever visit to the northern European country.
While his visit is in support of the Mercian Regiment, of which he is Colonel-in-Chief, he is also in the country to learn more about their response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, how they’re supporting NATO operations, and how they’re using renewable energy and technology.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson briefed the media that William’s visit will be “important…to highlight the strong bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Estonia.”
They continued that William will have the “opportunity to applaud Estonia’s strong support for Ukraine since the conflict with Russia.”
William’s first meeting was with President Alar Karis at his office. President Karis spent roughly 30 minutes with the future king, and following their meeting said on social media that the United Kingdom “stands as a strong ally & a leader in NATO. Estonia is grateful for British troops stationed here & the UK’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the security of our region.”
William replied on social media, writing that it had been a pleasure to meet President Karis and that it was important to “recognise the strong historic link between our countries.”
Following his meeting with President Karis, William paid a visit to The Freedom School, which was founded in 2022 as a direct response to the Ukraine conflict. The royal met with Ukrainian teachers and students to learn more about their experiences following the war and how the school supports their mental health.
William joined on a sports session with students and a Ukrainian-language lesson, and told the refugees that he admired their resiliency. “It’s been a very difficult few years for you guys,” the future king said.
“Everyone sees that. What I love is the Ukrainian resilience is everywhere. You all are very smiley and very strong and very spiritual people. And honestly that comes across everywhere. Even the Ukrainians I’ve met in the UK are like that–very resilient and very strong about things.”
William was gifted with a Ukrainian friendship bracelet—in the colours of blue and yellow—by a student and revealed how Princess Charlotte would likely take it from him when he returned home. “She loves these friendship bracelets.”
The future king’s final engagement on March 20 was a visit to the Cleantech Association to meet with representatives from renewable energy start-ups. He said on social media that it was great to see how the Association is “leading the charge in developing innovative solutions to combat climate change. The global adoption of renewable energy has never been more urgent, and it’s clear that these new technologies are central to the transition to a cleaner, more secure energy future.”
As his first day in Estonia came to an end, and with a day of engagements supporting the Mercian Regiment to come, William wrote on social media: “An excellent first day in Estonia, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of this beautiful country.”
