Prince William undertook a surprise journey to Poland to express his personal gratitude to British and Polish forces who are providing assistance to Ukraine.
The Prince of Wales visited military facilities in Rzeszów, situated only 60 miles away from the Ukrainian border, which is the closest a high-ranking member of the Royal Family has ever been to the conflict.
As a precautionary measure, the visit was kept confidential until the prince had exited the facility.
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During his visit, Prince William had discussions with the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak as well as with personnel from the Polish Territorial Defence Force („Terytorialsi”) to gain knowledge of the aid they are giving to Ukraine. He commented: „That’s why this afternoon I visited Rzeszów to meet troops based there to hear their stories and recognise their duty. I was struck by their passion as well as their shared determination to defend our shared freedoms”.
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He also noted: „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”.
Afterwards, Prince William travelled to a British military installation located in Rzeszów to engage with British military staff and acquire further insight into the collaborative efforts they have been engaged in with the Polish Armed Forces to provide aid to Ukraine. The staff consists mainly of Royal Artillery personnel and a supplementary contingent sourced from various regiments throughout the United Kingdom.
Rzeszów has transformed into a strategic point of entry to Ukraine and is where most Western armaments are received before being dispatched across the border to Ukraine. Numerous amounts of funds have been expended on weaponry and ammunition that have been transported through the US-led hub since the inception of the Russian invasion.
In the evening, The Prince of Wales carried out his initial engagement in Warsaw, where he visited an accommodation centre that was presently sheltering approximately 300 Ukrainian women and children who had escaped Ukraine and were struggling to integrate into Polish communities. He said: „I am travelling to an accommodation centre in Warsaw to see the humanitarian response first-hand and just how vital the support is that communities across Poland are providing to Ukrainians fleeing the war”.
The centre had formerly functioned as an office building before being transformed into housing. The centre’s inhabitants had access to two daily meals and various amenities, including Polish language courses, assistance with employment, a children’s play area, psychological counselling, and kickboxing classes instructed by a Ukrainian coach who had also fled to Poland. There is even a free shop giving the residents access to clothes as well as sanitary and hygiene products,
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During his second day in Poland, Prince William paid tribute to fallen Polish soldiers by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw’s Piłsudski Square. This monument was dedicated to the memory of Polish soldiers who had lost their lives in wars. During their state visit to Poland in 1996, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth and The Late Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip also laid a wreath at the Tomb.
His Royal Highness then proceeded to the Presidential Palace for a meeting with President Andrzej Duda, where he conveyed his appreciation to the Polish people for their continued generosity and hospitality in these tumultuous times. A spokesperson for the Prince of Wales said: “The Prince said he was very much looking forward to seeing the President and first lady at the Coronation. He also thanked him for attending the late Queen’s funeral.”
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The tour concluded with a visit by The Prince of Wales to the Hala Koszyki Food Hall, where he spoke with young Ukrainian refugees who had settled in Warsaw since fleeing Ukraine and had found work or continued their education. His Royal Highness learned about their experiences of acclimatizing to life in Poland and their aspirations for the future.
Members of the Polish community who had accommodated displaced Ukrainians were also present. Prince William thanked them and their families for their compassion and hospitality during the refugee crisis.
Artur Sławkowski
Photos: Twitter @KensingtonRoyal, British Poles
