Britain’s Prince William made an unannounced trip to Poland on Wednesday to thank British and Polish troops deployed in support of Ukraine and to meet Ukrainians who have fled the conflict with Russia and hear about their experiences, Reuters reported, News .ro reported.

Prince William in PolandPhoto: Tim Rooke / Editorial Shutterstock / Profimedia
  • “I am here because I want to personally thank the Polish and British forces who work in a close and important partnership,” Prince William said in a statement to Polish media.
  • “I also want to pay tribute to the inspired humanity of the Polish people. You have opened your hearts as well as your homes,” said the heir to the British crown.

Prince William visited Rzeszów in southeastern Poland, where he met with Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak and spoke to members of the Polish defense forces and British military personnel stationed in the country, the office said.

The British troops stationed in Poland are part of the NATO forces to strengthen the eastern flank, decided after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The future king’s trip, which was not announced in advance, was under heavy security, but his spokesman said William was very keen to make the visit.

Prince William addressed the Ukrainians fleeing the war

After fulfilling his military obligations, the Prince of Wales was due to travel to Warsaw to visit an office building that had been converted into a center for housing around 300 Ukrainian women and children who had fled the war.

On Thursday, Prince William will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Polish capital, where his grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, also laid a wreath during their state visit in 1996. Prince William will also have a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda.

“Tomorrow, when I meet with President Duda, I will reiterate the deep relationship that our two nations share, and I will emphasize my continued support and gratitude to the Polish people,” he said.

His trip to Poland will end with a visit to a local restaurant, where he will greet young Ukrainian refugees who have settled in Warsaw.

Prince William also visited Poland in 2017 with his wife Kate.

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