Prince William dons combat uniform to meet troops in Estonia

William is a former army officer who trained at Sandhurst military academy and joined the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals before training as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

UK troops lead a battlegroup in Estonia and the 900 British service personnel in the country are the UK's largest permanent overseas deployment.

Russia is seen as a growing threat in the region following its three-year long invasion of Ukraine, and the Baltic states – Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia – which border Russian President Vladimir Putin's nation are 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.

William chatted to soldiers from the 1st Estonian brigade when he arrived and asked them about the first six months of their training.

Speaking to the 13 soldiers chosen to meet him, William said: "It's great to meet you guys and great to be here.

"How's it working with the Brits? You don't have to say nice things just because I'm here!"

The soldiers told him their experience had been "good" and "very successful".

William replied: "I bet you guys are pleased it's going to be spring soon. It gets quite cold here, right?"

One soldier said: "Spring started yesterday so we are happier now."

After speaking with Estonian soldiers, the Prince presided over an official handover ceremony of British troops deployed at Tapa Camp, from the Royal Dragoon Guards, to his regiment, who are based at Tapa just 80 miles from Russia's border.

William was shown a selection of military vehicles including an Archer, a Challenger 2, a Warrior, a French Griffon, an MLRS and a Trojan, on Tapa's parade square.

Accompanied by the Estonian commander Colonel Tarmo Kundla and Lt Col General Sir Ian Cave, he then spoke to groups of soldiers positioned next to each vehicle. 

Speaking to soldiers stationed with the Archer, William asked: "How is it to drive? I might have a go later." 

He also asked the group: "Is this your first time in Estonia? Well good luck, I hope it all goes really well."

The royal then visited the field training area to hear how the Mercians are using different weapon systems and learning new training and operating techniques whilst in Estonia.

William donned a helmet and goggles as he rode in a Challenger 2 battle tank.

Speaking of his experience, he said: "It packs quite a punch."

He added: "I've probably churned up quite a lot of the mid here in the Challenger 2 and the Warrior, I made a bit more of a mess.

"We were saying it's quite a useful exercise in itself, just viewing what's gone on in Ukraine, seeing all the kinds of terrain they're operating in and understanding the pros and cons of what's gone on before. 

"It's quite a lot of things to be thinking about while you're operating out here and does focus the mind a little bit.. what the challenges are coming up."

The Prince also behind the wheel of an Archer artillery vehicle out in the field.

William's next port of call was a visit to the Welfare team, to hear about the emotional and mental wellbeing support that is available to soldiers deployed in Tapa on Operation Cabrit. 

He asked whether the "stigma" of talking about mental health within the military was being broken down and also asked whether soldiers were concerned their careers would be affected if they sought mental health support 

Sitting down with Staff Sergeant Amy-Jane Hale, who is in charge of welfare across Operation Calbrit in Estonia and Poland, William revealed that he found soldiers responded better to the term "mental fitness" than mental health.

He also promised to supply a fridge after hearing that one was lacking and asked if they had a toastie machine, noting how much he "loved cheese toasties".

William also briefly joined a game of pool as he chatted to soldiers on a six-month deployment to the Camp.

The NAAFI, which opened two years ago, offers space for troops to relax, watch TV, play games and have hot food and drinks.

The adjoining shop sells essentials as well as favourite treats from the UK.

William spent time chatting to staff, including senior finance manager Jawad Qamar, who told him how they keep soldiers stocked up on items from home.

"Tea bags are always a big issue," said the Prince.

He asked soldiers about the Camp's facilities and seemed particularly taken by the fact that they include a sauna.

"That’s a new thing on me, the sauna," he said, referring to the fact that they are not usually found on military bases in the UK.

"I now have an image of you all in the sauna. Lots of sweaty soldiers is not one to think about. Make sure there are no hydration issues from spending too long in the sauna."

Elsewhere he discussed the difference between Spring or Winter deployments to the camp, where temperatures can reach -20.

"It's my first time in Estonia," he said. "The President was saying to me yesterday how important it is that you guys are here. It goes right to the top of Estonian society."

The Prince also met French troops working alongside their British and Estonian counterparts at the camp and was given a regimental from the 11^th Marine Artillery to take home.

"Bonjour, bonjour," he said as he sat down with them. "Is English ok? My French is a bit ropey."

Speaking afterwards, Wo2 Hutton said: "It's morale boosting. I think they [the troops] enjoyed him coming out here, bearing in mind his connection to the regiment.

"It's always nice for the soldiers to get to meet him, especially in a natural environment where they're just doing what they would normally."

He said of the Prince: "It's the first time I've met him properly. I tried to convince him to become a Birmingham City fan. I said maybe we could get his wife to become one and he just said, 'That would be interesting'."