Tanks so much! Prince William rides in British tank throughout go to to Nato base simply 90 miles from Putin’s Russia as he ‘will get his palms soiled’ in present of help for Estonia
Dressed in combat gear and beret, Prince William was seen eagerly climbing into a British tank after arriving at a NATO base in Estonia this morning to take part in a major military exercise just 90 miles from Russia.
The future king is at Tapa Camp, just under two hours drive from the border, in his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment who are about to undertake a six-month posting to the region.
Operation Cabrit is a major multi-national NATO operational exercise designed to show the strength of the organisation through its united commitment to collective security and defence.
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.
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.
Prince William rides a Challenger 2 battle tank during a handover ceremony at Tapa camp in Estonia
The future king looked the part as he climbed into a British tank to take part in the exercise
A royal aide revealed that the prince was delighted to be ‘getting his hands dirty’ on the visit, which represents a show of support for Estonia
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.
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.
William dressed in full combat fatigues for the visit this morning
The Duke is visiting Tapa Camp to meet Estonian soldiers at the base to thank them for their support
William is meeting Nato forces defending the alliance’s eastern flank from Putin’s Russia
The prince – who has served in the military himself – was in good spirits as he chatted to the soldiers
The Challenger 2 is a main battle tank that is designed to take on other tanks
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!’
William met with troops dressed in camouflage gear during today’s visit
William heard how the Mercians are using different weapon systems and learning new training and operating techniques
William met with both Estonian and British troops during the official visit
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
Prince William was all smiles and in high spirits as he met with troops stationed in Estonia
William chats with soldiers following his tank ride
The future king will speak to Estonian troops about their experiences of training at the base
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.
The scenes today were reminiscent of Princess Diana’s tank driving experience, seen here with the Royal Hampshire Regiment at Tidworth, Hampshire, in 1988
Prince WIlliam’s late mother was also photographed visiting a tank regiment in West Berlin, Germany in 1985, where she was given a tank lesson
The late Princess of Wales was seen wearing a black and yellow regimental tracksuit and trainers during her visit in 1985 to West Berlin, Germany
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.
