The Prince of Wales rode in a Challenge 2 tank defending Estonia against Russian aggression after telling British troops he hoped his visit would “keep everyone on their toes”.
William travelled in the commander’s turret of the tank as it sped across muddy terrain in Estonia less than 100 miles from the border with Russia.
He is making a two-day trip to Estonia to strengthen UK ties with its Nato ally and support British forces stationed in the country as part of Britain’s Nato contribution.
He visited Tapa army base in northern Estonia in his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, whose 1st Battalion took over Nato duties in Estonia from The Royal Dragoon Guards.
When William arrived at the military base, the royal standard was flying alongside flags of Nato members.
He was shown a selection of military vehicles including the Warrior, an infantry fighting vehicle, the Challenger 2 main battle tank, and the multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) on the parade ground.
He spoke to soldiers stationed with each vehicle and at the Warrior, after asking the troops about their upcoming operational exercises, 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, telling them “It’s good to have such an international partnership.”
UK troops lead a battlegroup in Estonia and the 900 British service personnel in the country is the UK’s largest permanent overseas deployment.
Russia is seen as a growing threat in the region following its three-year invasion of Ukraine, and the Baltic states – Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – which border Russian President Vladimir Putin’s nation appear increasingly concerned.
British forces are deployed to Estonia and Poland under Operation Cabrit, the UK’s contribution to Nato’s Forward Land Forces in the two countries.
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