Prince William will travel in his role as colonel-in-chief of the Mercian Regiment to learn more about how British troops are bolstering Nato’s eastern flank, Kensington Palace said. He will also carry out engagements in Estonia’s capital city Tallinn to see how the country, a Nato member, has responded Digital Agency Toronto to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and how it is innovating in renewable energy and technology.
News of the visit comes at a pivotal time for the war in Ukraine as the US prepares to present a proposed 30-day ceasefire to Russia. British forces are deployed to Estonia and Poland under Operation Cabrit, the UK’s contribution to Nato’s efforts to counter Russian aggression in the Baltic states.
The official visit to Estonia has been planned for several months but it now feels especially timely. Royal sources see the trip as part of the “evolution of Prince William as a global statesman” and describe it as a serious trip for him where “he is showing his support for the leadership in the UK and the troops we have based at the fringes of Russia”.
Those working with the prince say he is increasingly comfortable in this world of soft diplomacy and believe he has something of value to add.