The Prince of Wales thanked British troops “in defense of our freedoms” on the border with Ukraine during a surprise trip to Poland.
Prince William said the two-day trip would allow him to personally thank the troops and pay tribute to the “inspiring humanity of the Polish people” who are helping Ukrainian refugees.
Speaking to soldiers at an air defense military base in the southeastern Polish city of Rzeszow, he praised their “really important” work given the situation in Ukraine.
He told them, “I just wanted to come here to personally thank you for everything you’re doing to keep everyone here safe and to keep an eye on what’s going on.
“So, thank you for what you do every day.”
He added: “You are doing a very important job here and protecting our freedoms is very important and all the houses have your full support.”
Dressed casually in a black down jacket and trousers, the prince was shown a rocket launcher at the base, which consists of a coalition of British, Polish and American troops.
Major Richard Kay, who met with the prince, said: “We are here to protect critical national infrastructure in the region.
“We are honored to host His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and we are honored that he has decided to visit us.”
The Prince of Wales also visited Polish soldiers at the base of the 3rd Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces in Rzeszow.
Upon arrival, the Prince was met by Polish Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Blaszczak.
Mr Blaszczak expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the British and Polish forces.
Prince William was then shown a Polish self-propelled howitzer with a British turret.
Major Przemysław Harema, 35, a soldier in the brigade, said: “This is a very important piece of equipment that Poland handed over to Ukraine at the beginning of the war. Then we delivered a couple of batteries.
“We trained Ukrainian soldiers on how to use them.”
He will also travel to a reception center in Warsaw to meet Ukrainian refugees who have fled and taken refuge in the Polish capital.
Landing in Warsaw, the prince said: “It’s great to be back in Poland.
“Our peoples have strong ties. Our cooperation in support of the people of Ukraine and their freedoms, which are also our freedoms and yours, further strengthens these bonds.
“I am here because I want to personally thank the Polish and British armed forces, who are cooperating closely and decisively.
“I also want to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish people. You have opened your heart as well as your homes.
“So, this afternoon I visited Rzeszow to meet the troops stationed there, hear their stories and acknowledge their duty.
“I was struck by their passion and shared determination to defend our common freedoms.”
The shelter, which is home to about 300 women and children who have recently arrived in the country, offers residents two meals a day, Polish language courses, employment assistance, a playground, psychological support and kickboxing classes.
Prince William hears from residents about their experience before meeting with volunteers.
He said he wanted to “emphasize” his continued support and gratitude to the Polish people.
On Thursday, the prince will meet Polish President Andrzej Duda at the Presidential Palace and visit a local canteen to speak with Ukrainian refugees.
He will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to Polish soldiers who died in conflicts.
The late Queen Elizabeth II and the late Duke of Edinburgh laid a wreath during their state visit to Poland in 1996.
This is Prince William’s first trip to Poland since visiting his wife, the Princess of Wales, in 2017.
Additional Press Association coverage
Source: I News
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