The Prince of Wales is set to begin a two-day visit to Estonia on Thursday, where he will meet the country’s president, Alar Karis, for talks in the capital, Tallinn. The visit is primarily in his capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, which is assuming Nato defence duties in Estonia from the Royal Dragoon Guards.
William’s trip comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the region, with Estonia playing a key role in Nato’s defence strategy against potential Russian aggression. British forces have been stationed in the country as part of Nato’s Enhanced Forward Presence, working alongside allies to deter threats on the alliance’s eastern flank.
Estonia’s Defence Minister, Hanno Pevkur, speaking to ITV News, underscored the importance of Nato’s presence in the country. “The reality is we cannot change our neighbour – our neighbour is very hostile towards its neighbours. This is our response to how Russia is acting at the moment,” he said, referencing Moscow’s continued aggression following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Supporting British troops in Estonia
On the second day of his visit, William will travel to Tapa Army Base, where he will meet British service personnel stationed in Estonia, as well as soldiers from his regiment and members of the Estonian armed forces. The Tapa base hosts the UK’s largest permanent overseas deployment, with approximately 800 British troops currently positioned in Estonia.
The prince’s visit comes as European nations, including the UK, prepare to increase defence spending in response to shifting global security concerns, particularly in light of the policies of US President Donald Trump. His administration has placed greater emphasis on European nations increasing their own defence budgets rather than relying heavily on American military support.
Russia’s growing threat in the region
Russia’s prolonged invasion of Ukraine has raised alarm among the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—given their shared borders with Russia. Many in the region fear they could be the next targets of Russian aggression.
Estonia has been one of Ukraine’s most vocal supporters, both militarily and politically. President Karis has played a prominent role in advocating for increased military assistance to Kyiv, urging Western allies to provide more support in Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces.
The presence of British troops in Estonia is a key part of Nato’s broader efforts to strengthen its defences in Eastern Europe, reassuring allies in the face of ongoing security threats from Moscow.
Education and environmental initiatives
Beyond military matters, Prince William’s visit will also include engagements focusing on education and environmental sustainability.
On Thursday, he will visit a school established by Estonia’s Ministry of Education and Research in May 2022, created in direct response to the war in Ukraine. The school has been instrumental in supporting Ukrainian refugee children who have fled the conflict.
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William will meet Ukrainian teachers working at the school to learn about their experiences in helping students adjust to life in Estonia. He will also hear about the support systems in place for students’ mental wellbeing, as many have been deeply affected by the war and displacement from their homeland.
The prince’s long-standing commitment to environmental issues will also be a key feature of his trip. As the founder of the Earthshot Prize, which recognises innovative solutions to environmental challenges, he will attend an event focused on renewable energy start-ups. The session will highlight efforts by Estonian entrepreneurs to develop sustainable energy technologies that contribute to tackling climate change.
A strategic and symbolic visit
William’s visit to Estonia serves both a practical and symbolic purpose. As a senior member of the royal family, his presence underscores Britain’s unwavering commitment to its Nato allies and to maintaining security in the Baltic region.
At the same time, his engagements with Ukrainian teachers and renewable energy pioneers reflect his broader interests in humanitarian efforts and environmental sustainability.
With tensions in Eastern Europe remaining high, William’s visit will be closely watched as a reaffirmation of the UK’s role in supporting Estonia and its allies in the face of an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.
