Prince William visits troops in Poland on surprise trip: ‘I’m here because…’
Prince William In Poland: Travelling to Rzeszow in southeast Poland, Prince William met Poland's defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak.
Prince William made an unannounced trip to Poland to thank British and Polish troops involved in the Ukraine war. The Prince of Wales also met refugees who have fled the conflict and heard their experiences. Travelling to Rzeszow in southeast Poland, Prince William met Poland's defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak after which he spoke to members of the Polish defence force and British troops, his office said in a statement.
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The British deployment in Poland is part of a NATO following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Prince William's trip took place under tight security, his spokesperson said, adding that the royal was very keen on the visit and had requested in advance for the same.
"I’m here because I want to personally thank the Polish and British troops working in close and crucial partnership," Prince William said in a statement, adding, "I also want to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish people. You have opened your hearts as much as your homes."
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Prince William is also due to travel to Warsaw to visit an office block which had been converted into an accommodation centre housing Ukrainians who have fled the war.
"Tomorrow, as I meet President Duda, I’ll reiterate the profound relationship shared by our two nations and underline my continued support and gratitude to the Polish people," Prince William said.
Prince William will also lay a wreath at the Polish capital's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, news agency Reuters reported.
