The Prince of Wales (left) meeting members of the Polish military during a visit to the 3rd Brigade Territorial Defence Force base, in Rzeszow, Poland, that has been heavily involved in providing support to Ukraine. March 22, 2023. Yui Mok/ Pool via REUTERS
LONDON 鈥� Britain鈥檚 Prince William made an unannounced trip to Poland on Wednesday to thank British and Polish troops involved in providing support to Ukraine, before meeting refugees who have fled the conflict with Russia to hear of their experiences.
The heir-to-the throne traveled to Rzeszow in southeast Poland where he was to meet the country鈥檚 Defense Minister, Mariusz Blaszczak, and speak to members of the Polish defence force and British troops based there, his office said.
The British deployment in Poland is part of a Nato build-up of strength on its eastern flank following Russia鈥檚 invasion of Ukraine.
The royal鈥檚 trip, which had not been publicized in advance, is taking place under tight security, but his spokesperson said William was very keen it went ahead, and that it was something he had requested.
鈥淚鈥檓 here because I want to personally thank the Polish and British troops working in close and crucial partnership,鈥� William said in a statement to Polish media. 鈥淚 also want to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish people. You have opened your hearts as much as your homes.鈥�
After the military engagements, the Prince of Wales is due to travel to Warsaw to visit an office block which had been converted into an accommodation center housing about 300 Ukrainian women and children Ukrainians who have fled the war.
On Thursday, the prince will lay a wreath at the Polish capital鈥檚 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where his late grandparents, Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip, also laid a wreath during their state visit in 1996, before he has a meeting with the Poland鈥檚 President Andrzej Duda.
鈥淭omorrow, as I meet President Duda, I鈥檒l reiterate the profound relationship shared by our two nations and underline my continued support and gratitude to the Polish people,鈥� he said.
His trip, William鈥檚 first since he traveled there with his wife Kate in 2017, will conclude with a visit to a local food hall where he will greet young Ukrainian refugees who have settled in Warsaw.