Prince William visits British troops in Estonia on the border with Russia

Prince William made his first overseas trip of 2025 on Thursday (20/3).

The heir to the British throne has travelled to Estonia for a two-day official visit during which he is expected to visit British troops guarding the NATO border with Russia. On Thursday afternoon (local time), he held a meeting at the presidential palace in Tallinn with Estonian President Alar Karis, during which they discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Prince of Wales' visit to the Baltic country is being carried out on behalf of the British government and the Foreign Office.

King Charles' son is expected to visit British soldiers training in the small Baltic state, part of a multinational force aimed at deterring Russian aggression on NATO's eastern flank. The 900 British soldiers stationed on Estonian soil include soldiers from the Mercian Regiment, whose commander-in-chief is the future king of Old Albion.

Prince William's visit to Estonia comes at a time of uncertainty over the war in Ukraine and concerns about the Kremlin's next steps. The Estonian capital has been filled with Ukrainian flags, with a large Ukrainian flag flying in Tallinn's Independence Square. Prince William also visited a school in the Estonian capital attended by children of Ukrainian refugees.

The British prince's visit to the small country in northeastern Europe, which due to its high technological achievements is called "mini Sweden" by diplomatic sources, is another demonstration of royal "soft power" that sends the message of the United Kingdom's commitment to protecting the Baltic states.

Prince William also visited Tallinn University and spoke to students and faculty members. Most reported that the Russian threat is very close and Estonians are preparing for war.

"If Ukraine falls, we will have to fight for our lives," Caitlin Kirna, a lecturer in cybersecurity, told the BBC. The students from Tallinn University said that Donald Trump's recent behavior and the US president's comments on NATO have caused concern among Estonians. "We are a small country and Russia is next to us," 21-year-old student Sander Poldmaa told the BBC, expressing concern about President Trump's behavior regarding the war in Ukraine.

Happening now...

00:03 crossword

Free scheme December 19

22:35 KOSOVA

Kosovo, police operation against corruption, Svecla: Several senior public officials have been arrested, including a former minister

22:34 POLITICS

Rama tells his version of the "May 17" meeting with Basha: He got everything he asked for with Berisha's blessing

22:14 POLITICS

Redi Muçi: We will not join forces with the Democratic Party, Lapaj and Shehaj

22:13 POLITICS

Rama on Berisha: He embodies negative radiation, the ultra-fanatic communist turned into...

21:59 POLITICS

Rama speaks to "The Observer": Albania can help the EU survive, if it sits us at the table

21:55 POLITICS

Nikoll Lesi's strong statement: The opposition is preparing a violent protest on Monday

21:53 POLITICS

Rama "returns" 35 years later: I had no desire to get involved in politics

21:45 POLITICS

Klodiana Lala shpjegon pse SPAK e do patjetër Ballukun të arrestuar

21:30 BOTA

"The reaction will be devastating", Rutte: Ukraine will be the first line of defense

Nga Blendi Kajsiu 21:24 ideas

"Preliminary sentence for Belinda Balluku", response to Baton Haxhiu

Nga Blendi Kajsiu

21:19 POLITICS

Petro Koçi: Rama's criticism of SPAK could have been avoided!

21:14 POLITICS

"There is talk that Belinda Balluku has fled", Belind Këlliçi: From the information we have, it appears that the Deputy Prime Minister is not within the country

21:13 POLITICS

Belinda Balluku's positions in relation to justice are becoming more serious! In addition to tenders, under investigation for a concession. SPAK: Risks destroying evidence

Want to read more news