Prince William, dressed in combat gear and a beret, was observed enthusiastically entering a British tank upon his arrival at a NATO base in Estonia this morning to participate in a significant military drill only 90 miles away from Russia.
The future monarch is currently stationed at Tapa Camp, which is less than a two-hour drive from the border, in his capacity as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, who are preparing for a six-month deployment to the area.
Known as Operation Cabrit, this extensive multinational NATO exercise aims to demonstrate the organization’s strength by showcasing its collective dedication to security and defense.
William, 42, will take part in a field exercise in what has been described as ‘Putin’s backyard’, driving an Archer armoured military vehicle as well as being driven in Challenger and Warrior tanks.Â
A royal aide said the prince was delighted to be ‘getting his hands dirty’, saying the visit was ‘about the Prince of Wales showing his support to Estonia as it manages its proximity to Russia while hosting NATO troops and welcoming Ukrainian refuges.’
Operation Calbrit is part of the biggest reinforcement of Alliance collective defence and European security in a generation.
The forces train on a weekly basis, ranging from small drills to large scale battle group level exercises.
Russia – which has a 183-mile border with Estonia – has significantly increased its military presence in the region, with aircraft frequently intercepted by NATO Air Policing missions.Â
The prince will spend the day at Tapa Camp, meeting with Estonian troops before overseeing an official handover ceremony between The Royal Dragoon Guards and the Mercian Regiment.
As well as viewing the range of equipment which will be used by the Mercians, he will also visit the field training area to see their work in action.
He will then spend time with the welfare team and pop into the NAAFI – the Naval, Army and Air Force Institute’s shop and canteen, where soldiers and personnel can also relax and socialise.
As a member of the EU, Estonia has firmly supported Ukraine since the Russian invasion, both politically and financially.
It has championed a tough approach to sanctions on Russia and was the first country to introduce legislation to seize frozen Russian assets.
Russia has been engaged in a range of hybrid attacks against Estonia for some time: GPS jamming, acts of sabotage, cyber-attacks, and removal of navigational buoys marking the border in the Narva River.
The country is also resoundly ‘pro-British’ and has worked closely with the UK over Ukraine.
Diplomatic sources said William’s visit comes at a ‘crucial time’ in terms of reassuring Estonians of the UK’s commitment to both their security and to Ukraine.Â
Estonia is said to be fearful that following a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, the latter could re-arm rapidly and threaten Ukraine again, or attack Estonia and other Northern European NATO allies. This makes them value the UK military presence locally even more strongly.
Following the Second World War Estonia spent decades as an unwilling and occupied part of the Soviet Union. Memories of Soviet occupation are still strong – and almost every family suffered in some way.
To Estonians, sources say, Russia’s approach to Ukraine is ‘horribly familiar’.
However its success since regaining its independence in 1991 has been ‘remarkable’: joining the EU, the euro and NATO, and growing a successful economy including a burgeoning tech sector.
The Prince of Wales was met at the NATO base just 125 miles from the Russian border, by UK defence attaché Rob Hall.
Soldiers from the 1st Estonian brigade were introduced to the future king who asked them about the first six months of their training.
Speaking to the 13 soldiers chosen to meet him, William said: ‘It’s great to meet you guys and great to be here.
‘How’s it working with the Brits? You don’t have to say nice things just because I’m here!’
The soldiers told him their experience had been ‘good’ and ‘very successful’.
William replied: ‘I bet you guys are pleased it’s going to be spring soon! It gets quite cold here right?’
One soldier said: ‘Spring started yesterday so we are happier now’.
William said: ‘Yes I got to see some sunshine in Tallinn yesterday, a little bit colder today though. But good to know it’s coming’.
The Prince asked the soldiers about their basic training adding: ‘It’s great to meet and I can’t wait to see the drills today. Very pleased to be here.’
The Prince of Wales said he hoped his visit to Estonia would ‘keep everyone on their toes’ while visiting British troops deployed near Russia today.
William, Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, presided over an official handover ceremony of British troops deployed at Tapa Camp, from the Royal Dragoon Guards, to his regiment, who are based at Tapa just 80 miles from Russia’s border.
William’s visit to Tapa aims to highlight the role of British troops in Operation Cabrit, which involves around 900 soldiers stationed as part of Nato’s defence of the eastern flank – the UK’s biggest international operational deployment.
With the royal standard flying alongside flags of Nato members, the prince was shown a selection of military vehicles including an Archer, a Challenger 2, a Warrior, a French Griffon, an MLRS and a Trojan, on Tapa’s parade square.
Accompanied on the parade square by the Estonian commander Colonel Tarmo Kundla and Lt Col General Sir Ian Cave, he then spoke to groups of soldiers positioned next to each vehicle.
Speaking to soldiers stationed with the Archer, William asked: ‘How is it to drive? I might have a go later.’ He also asked the group: ‘Is this your first time in Estonia? Well good luck, I hope it all goes really well.’
At the Warrior vehicle, after asking the soldiers about their upcoming operational exercises, he said of his visit to the base: ‘Hopefully this provides a bit of interest for you all and what you’re doing and keeps everyone on their toes.’
Inspecting the French Griffon ‘infantry fighting vehicle’, William spoke to a group of French soldiers who also serve alongside British troops at Tapa. ‘It’s good to have such an international partnership,’ he told them.
William took over the role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercians in 2023, previously held by his father. While visiting Tapa, he will also drive a tank and see the Mercians training with an array of weapons.
