The heir to the British throne is on a visit to Poland. Prince William met with soldiers at a unit of the 3rd Sub-Carpathian Territorial Defence Brigade in Rzeszów. The heir to the British throne also visited the soldiers of the international contingent, which includes representatives of the British army.

The future monarch held talks with the Minister of National Defence, Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, and Podkarpackie Voivode Ewa Leniart. 

“This is a great honour and distinction for me. I am proud that in the presence of the Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness, I can thank British and Polish soldiers for their joint service in Poland”, said Minister Błaszczak during the meeting.

There are currently around 400 British soldiers in Poland, most of whom are deployed in the south-east of the country. 

The Prince of Wales asked about the situation in the region after 24 February 2022, as well as how aid for Ukrainian refugees was being organised.

Ewa Leniart presented the government’s strategy based on the functioning of the reception points. She also pointed out that the organisation of the aid was possible thanks to the enormous commitment of the services, local governments, NGOs, and the people of Podkarpacie.

Prince William also inquired about the method of relocation of Ukrainian citizens. The governor recalled the support of the Polish railways, the State Fire Service, and the regional government. 

On Thursday, the heir to the British throne will meet with President Andrzej Duda. Prince William’s visit was not previously announced. 

“We agreed with the British not to make public who is coming or when exactly. This was the request of the British side, as I understand it, also for security reasons – not only physical, but also image security. We have respected the request of the British protocol”, said presidential minister Marcin Przydacz.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński