Heir to the throne steps up during King Charles' absence with frontline NATO visit
Prince William demonstrated strong leadership during an international visit to Estonia on Friday, taking part in a trench warfare training exercise at a NATO base amid King Charles' absence.
The Prince of Wales, who has spent his life preparing to become King, joined British forces in full military gear, including a helmet and protective glasses. As Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, he immersed himself in the operation, beginning with a ride in a Challenger 2 tank for a briefing, then transferring to a Warrior infantry fighting vehicle to reach the field exercise.
Kensington Palace shared footage of the moment with the caption: “Honing vital skills for operations in extreme conditions.”
In a further show of engagement, the future monarch drove an Archer—an advanced mobile artillery system used by the British Army. He arrived in the last of three military vehicles at the site where the Mercian battlegroup was conducting a live-fire drill. The two Warrior tanks ahead of him opened fire with machine guns upon arrival, as Major McNeil explained the unfolding exercise amid the noise of gunfire.
The operation is part of NATO’s multi-national exercise, Operation Cabrit, which highlights the alliance’s united stance on security and defence. During his visit to Tapa Camp, William is also meeting Estonian troops and overseeing a handover between The Royal Dragoon Guards and the Mercian Regiment.
His visit comes at a critical time for European security, underlining the UK’s continued support for Estonia and Ukraine—and marking a significant step in William’s growing role as future King.
