Latest news with #MercianRegiment
Sky News
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Prince William joins British troops in Challenger 2 tank on visit to Estonia
The Prince of Wales has joined troops in a Challenger 2 tank as he visited UK soldiers on a NATO base less than 100 miles from the Russian border. Prince William travelled in the commander's turret of the tank as it sped across muddy terrain at Tapa army camp in Estonia. He watched on as soldiers from the Mercian Regiment took part in training exercises. The Mercians, of which he is colonel-in-chief, have just started their six-month deployment in Estonia as the lead battlegroup working alongside NATO partners. With 900 British service personnel in Estonia, it is the UK's largest permanent overseas deployment. The prince witnessed how soldiers worked to clear trenches, as smoke grenades were set off and blank rounds of gunfire rang out. Earlier, as he oversaw the operational handover between the Royal Dragoon Guards and the Mercians, 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 systems on the parade ground. Later he was allowed to get behind the wheel of an Archer, a mobile artillery vehicle with a weapon range of 50km (31 miles). Speaking to soldiers about his visit, he said: "Hopefully this provides a bit of interest for you all and what you're doing and keeps everyone on their toes." His trip to Tapa Camp was part of a two-day visit on behalf of the UK government, with the prince deployed to show his support to Estonia, to Ukraine and the UK's commitment to NATO. The visit has been in the planning for six months, but its timing couldn't feel more significant amid the ongoing threats from Russia, discussions of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, and Trump's criticisms of NATO. 0:37 Lt Col Grant Brown from 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, who was accompanying the prince during the field training exercise, said: "Every week there is something new going on. Our job is to reassure our allies that we are absolutely committed to freedom. And to ensure we are ready to face any threat no matter where that might come from... We are constantly out here training to ensure that we are ready." But aside from his high-level diplomatic role, Prince William wanted to draw attention to the reality of life for those troops expected to be ready to fight at any time. Talking to Estonian troops, one of them told him how they daily think about the close proximity of Russia, with the prince saying: "Yes it must focus the mind". He also spent time talking to British troops about their experiences of deployment and the impact it can have on their mental health. Breaking down the stigma around mental health is a cornerstone of the Prince's official work. 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, providing a deterrent to Russian aggression.
Sky News
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Prince William pictured in Challenger 2 tank on visit to British troops in Estonia
The Prince of Wales has joined troops in a Challenger 2 tank as he visited UK soldiers on a NATO base less than 100 miles from the Russian border. Prince William travelled in the commander's turret of the tank as it sped across muddy terrain at Tapa army camp in Estonia. He watched on as soldiers from the Mercian Regiment took part in training exercises. The Mercians, of which he is colonel-in-chief, have just started their six-month deployment in Estonia as the lead battlegroup working alongside NATO partners. With 900 British service personnel in Estonia, it is the UK's largest permanent overseas deployment. The prince witnessed how soldiers worked to clear trenches, as smoke grenades were set off and blank rounds of gunfire rang out. Earlier, as he oversaw the operational handover between the Royal Dragoon Guards and the Mercians, 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 systems on the parade ground. Later he was allowed to get behind the wheel of an Archer, a mobile artillery vehicle with a weapon range of 50km (31 miles). Speaking to soldiers about his visit, he said: "Hopefully this provides a bit of interest for you all and what you're doing and keeps everyone on their toes." His trip to Tapa Camp was part of a two-day visit on behalf of the UK government, with the prince deployed to show his support to Estonia, to Ukraine and the UK's commitment to NATO. The visit has been in the planning for six months, but its timing couldn't feel more significant amid the ongoing threats from Russia, discussions of a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, and Trump's criticisms of NATO. 0:37 Lt Col Grant Brown from 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, who was accompanying the prince during the field training exercise, said: "Every week there is something new going on. Our job is to reassure our allies that we are absolutely committed to freedom. And to ensure we are ready to face any threat no matter where that might come from... We are constantly out here training to ensure that we are ready." But aside from his high-level diplomatic role, Prince William wanted to draw attention to the reality of life for those troops expected to be ready to fight at any time. Talking to Estonian troops, one of them told him how they daily think about the close proximity of Russia, with the prince saying: "Yes it must focus the mind". He also spent time talking to British troops about their experiences of deployment and the impact it can have on their mental health. Breaking down the stigma around mental health is a cornerstone of the Prince's official work. 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, providing a deterrent to Russian aggression.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Prince William wears battle gear on visit to British troops in Estonia
TAPA, Estonia (Reuters) - Prince William donned battle gear to visit British troops in Estonia on Friday on a trip aimed at underlining his country's support for NATO operations in Eastern Europe. William, heir to the British throne and eldest son of King Charles, was in Tapa camp, around 200 km (125 miles) from the Russian border, inspecting infantry fighting vehicles and riding on a tank wearing full, camouflaged military fatigues. Britain has about 900 troops in Estonia and Poland as part of 'Operation Cabrit', the British contribution to the expansion of NATO's forces on the alliance's eastern flank following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The prince's two-day visit came as Britain and other European allies are ramping up defence spending in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for other NATO nations to contribute more to Europe's security. William was pictured standing in front of rounds of barbed wire and in front of plumes of yellow smoke as he observed a trench clearance exercise. He also oversaw a handover ceremony from the Royal Dragoon Guards who have just finished their deployment at Tapa to the Mercian Regiment who are starting their six-month tour. He is Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment. "From field training to weapon systems operation, this deployment is key! So brilliant to see the dedication and expertise of our troops in action," William's Kensington Palace office posted on X. The symbolic visit was William's first trip to the Baltic state. Two years ago, he visited British soldiers in Poland who were involved in providing support to Ukraine. He was due to hear from soldiers about their experiences of being on deployment and discuss mental wellbeing with the army's welfare support officers.
Reuters
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Prince William wears battle gear on visit to British troops in Estonia
TAPA, Estonia, March 21 (Reuters) - Prince William donned battle gear to visit British troops in Estonia on Friday on a trip aimed at underlining his country's support for NATO operations in Eastern Europe. William, heir to the British throne and eldest son of King Charles, was in Tapa camp, around 200 km (125 miles) from the Russian border, inspecting infantry fighting vehicles and riding on a tank wearing full, camouflaged military fatigues. Britain has about 900 troops in Estonia and Poland as part of 'Operation Cabrit', the British contribution to the expansion of NATO's forces on the alliance's eastern flank following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The prince's two-day visit came as Britain and other European allies are ramping up defence spending in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for other NATO nations to contribute more to Europe's security. William was pictured standing in front of rounds of barbed wire and in front of plumes of yellow smoke as he observed a trench clearance exercise. He also oversaw a handover ceremony from the Royal Dragoon Guards who have just finished their deployment at Tapa to the Mercian Regiment who are starting their six-month tour. He is Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment. "From field training to weapon systems operation, this deployment is key! So brilliant to see the dedication and expertise of our troops in action," William's Kensington Palace office posted on X. The symbolic visit was William's first trip to the Baltic state. Two years ago, he visited British soldiers in Poland who were involved in providing support to Ukraine. He was due to hear from soldiers about their experiences of being on deployment and discuss mental wellbeing with the army's welfare support officers.
The Independent
21-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
William rides in tank on visit to British troops helping defend Estonia
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.
