King Willem Alexander
Kron visit to the training of the Ukrainian army
Troop visit to Ukrainian soldiers: King Willem-Alexander in uniform.
© imago/ABACAPRESS
Emotional visit to the crown in uniform: King Willem-Alexander got a picture of the training of Ukrainian soldiers in England.
What a moving visit: The Dutch King Willem-Alexander (56) visited a training camp for Ukrainian soldiers in the north of England on Wednesday. The Dutch royal family published this a video of the visit on X (formerly Twitter).
It shows Willem-Alexander in intensive conversation with the training English, Dutch and Ukrainian soldiers. The military training takes place as part of “Operation Interflex”. The multinational program has been training members of the Ukrainian army under British leadership since July 2022.
“Which of you had military experience before the war started?”
Last week two hundred Ukrainians began their military training in the north of England. The Dutch king, who wears uniform throughout the short video, observes the multinational force during its training activities. They dismantle firearms and wrap injured soldiers in warming foil. Then Willem-Alexander wants to know about the Ukrainian recruits: “Which of you had military experience before the war began?” The faces of the Ukrainian soldiers cannot be seen.
“I will cherish it with all my heart”
The short summary of the royal visit alone shows that the troop visit is very close to the Dutch regent. Before he leaves the training grounds to the sound of bagpipes, a special gift is waiting for him. Willem-Alexander receives a Ukrainian unity badge from the hands of a Ukrainian soldier. His thanks are moving: “I will cherish it with all my heart. It means a lot to me. It’s something very special.” At the end he sends a “good luck”.