Prince William Announces His First Overseas Trip of the Year — But Kate Middleton Won’t Be Joining

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, is set to embark on his first international trip of 2025 with a solo visit to Estonia from March 20 to 21.  The trip underscores the United Kingdom’s commitment to its NATO allies and highlights the Prince’s dedication to supporting British military personnel stationed abroad.

During his visit, Prince William will engage with British troops involved in NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) at the Tapa military base.  This initiative aims to strengthen NATO’s eastern defenses, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. Approximately 900 UK troops are currently stationed in Estonia and Poland under ‘Operation Cabrit,’ contributing to NATO’s collective security measures.

In addition to his military engagements, the Prince is scheduled to meet with Estonian President Alar Karis in Tallinn.  Their discussions are expected to cover Estonia’s response to the conflict in Ukraine and explore the nation’s advancements in renewable energy and technology areas where Estonia has demonstrated significant innovation.

Notably, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, will not accompany Prince William on this trip. This aligns with recent patterns in their royal duties, where the couple has occasionally undertaken separate engagements to address a broader range of commitments. For instance, they opted out of attending the 2025 BAFTA Awards to prioritize a family vacation in the Caribbean, reflecting their dedication to balancing public responsibilities with family time.

Prince William’s solo visit to Estonia not only emphasizes the UK’s solidarity with its NATO allies but also highlights the royal family’s role in supporting international diplomatic and military efforts. As the Prince engages with British troops and Estonian officials, his presence serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the United Kingdom and Estonia.