Prince William’s unexpected trip to Poland is to thank those assisting Ukraine
The Prince of Wales traveled to two military bases on Wednesday and then visited with some women and children refugees from the war-torn country”
On Wednesday, Prince William made an unexpected journey to Poland to express his gratitude to the people for their “hospitality and humanity” throughout the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine.
The 40-year-old Prince of Wales spent Wednesday afternoon with Polish and British troops who are assisting in the training of Ukrainian forces. He then traveled to Warsaw to visit some of the 300 Ukrainian women and children who had just arrived as refugees and were staying in an old office building that had been converted into housing.
Prince William is making his first trip to Poland since his tour of the nation in 2017 with Kate Middleton, Royal George, and Princess Charlotte. (The couple welcomed Prince Louis, their third child, in 2018).
Aides point out that Prince William and Princess Kate have followed the Ukrainian crisis since the beginning and have had an ongoing dialogue with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and first lady Olena Zelenska.
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“But he wanted to look into the eyes of the Polish people and say thank you for everything they have done. That is the main message he was putting across to the Polish and British military,” a spokesman said.
Upon landing in Warsaw, Prince William said it was “fantastic” to be back in Poland.
“Our nations have strong ties. Through our cooperation in support of the people of Ukraine and their freedom, which are also our freedoms and yours, these ties are further strengthened,” he said. “I’m here because I want to personally thank the Polish and British troops working in close and crucial partnership. I also want to pay tribute to the inspiring humanity of the Polish people. You have opened your hearts as much as your homes.”
During Prince William’s visits to the military, he was able to see the 3rd Brigade Territorial Defence Force base near Rzeszow in the country’s southeast, which has played a significant role in supporting Ukraine and where British and local troops have developed strong bonds. He also got to know Mariusz Blaszczak, the Polish Minister of Defense. William then made his way to the adjacent British Armed Forces. The region is the focal point for the provision of artillery and munitions to the border guards by allies from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries.
Prince William told the troops, “Thank you for hosting me today. I just wanted to come here in person to say ‘thank you’ for all you are doing — keeping everyone safe out here and keeping an eye on what’s going on.”
“Just a big thank you for what you do on a day-to-day basis,” he added. “I know some of you are coming to the end of your time out here. So looking forward to a bit of ‘R and R’ when you get home. You are doing a really important job out here and defending our freedoms is really important and everyone back home thoroughly supports you. And everything you are doing with the Poles and our Polish counterparts in providing that safety is really important. Lovely to meet you and good luck.”
The Prince of Wales focused on the misery of those displaced by the violence in Warsaw’s capital city at an accommodation facility housed in an office building where a charity offers individuals a room and a bed and supports younger people’s education. Also, there is a free store where customers can purchase clothing, toiletries, and other items.
The Prince of Wales focused on the misery of those displaced by the violence in Warsaw’s capital city at an accommodation facility housed in an office building where a charity offers individuals a room and a bed and supports younger people’s education. Also, there is a free store where customers can purchase clothing, toiletries, and other items.
“This centre provides two free meals a day, Polish language lessons, psychological & employment support and even a free shop giving its residents access to clothes as well as sanitary and hygiene products. It really is a sanctuary on the frontline of the humanitarian crisis,” Prince William’s office shared in a tweet.
The Prince of Wales will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda at the Presidential House on Thursday after paying homage to the nation’s war dead at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In that location, he will “thank the Poles for their kindness and hospitality over the previous year, highlight the unique relationship that the UK has with Poland, and celebrate the Polish diaspora who are in the United Kingdom.”
He will also observe how asylum seekers who have been in Poland for roughly a year—since the crisis began—are assisted and have assimilated into the nation. He will speak with groups of young Ukrainians who have found jobs while in a Warsaw food court.
Prince William’s eagerness to travel to see how the military is doing in a situation that is occurring a three-hour flight from London and to visit President Duda are both clear indications of his expanding role in the globe. The fact that he is first in line to the throne has increased the significance of the royal’s actions, which were already significant before his grandmother Queen Elizabeth passed away in September.
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“This is a continuation of the evolution of his role as a global statesperson,” his spokesman adds. “We talk often about him using his global platform for the good of the environment, via Earthshot. But this is the first opportunity for him to take a visit of this kind as Prince of Wales and, given that it is one of the biggest political issues facing every country on the planet, this is a demonstration of him growing as a statesmanlike figure.”
According to his spokesman, the prince is well aware that Poland has been on the “frontline of the refugee problem” in Europe that has followed the violence in its neighbor. The prince requested that the trip be organized. “By extending a warm invitation into their homes, they have exhibited tremendous humanity. It has also highlighted how much the Polish people have contributed to the Ukrainians considering that there is such a sizable and active Polish diaspora in the United Kingdom.”