Prince William in Poland to thank troops helping Ukraine

The Prince of Wales is in Poland for an unannounced visit to Polish and British troops defending the country against the war in Ukraine.

William, who arrived in Rzeszow and carried out engagements with soldiers and civilians there, released a statement through Kensington Palace, saying that he was visiting “to personally thank the Polish and British troops working in close and crucial partnership.”

He added, “I also want to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish people. You have opened your hearts as much as your homes.”

William first visited the 3rd Brigade Territorial Defence Force, which has been a crucial support for the war in Ukraine, and later met Poland’s Minister of Defence Mariusz Blaszczak. The royal also met British and Polish soldiers to talk about their bond throughout the conflict and how the two countries’ soldiers are supporting each other.

“Our nations have strong ties. Through our cooperation in support of the people of Ukraine and their freedom, which are also our freedoms and yours, these ties are further strengthened,” William said.

“That’s why this afternoon I visited Rzeszow to meet troops based there to hear their stories and recognise their duty. I was struck by their passion as well as their shared determination to defend our shared freedoms.”

A spokesperson for William said: “This is a continuation of the evolution of his role as a global statesperson.

“We talk often about him using his global platform for the good of the environment, via Earthshot.

“But this is the first opportunity for him to take a visit of this kind as Prince of Wales and was important to him given that it is one of the biggest political issues facing every country on the planet.”

After his engagements in Rzeszow, William travelled to Warsaw to learn more about the Polish humanitarian response and saw how 300 Ukrainian women and children refugees are being supported.

Kensington Palace announced that William will meet the Polish President Andrzej Duda on the second day of his visit, with William sharing that he plans to “reiterate the profound relationship shared by our two nations and underline my continued support and gratitude to the Polish people.”

William also shared a personal message on social media, written in both English and Polish: “This afternoon I travelled to Poland to meet British and Polish troops, where I heard about their extraordinary work in support of Ukraine.

“My message to them on behalf of all of us, thank you!”