Government of Belize Press Office

Prince William ended his two-day trip to Poland with a visit to Hala Koszyki, a food hall in Warsaw, where he met with Ukrainian refugees. 

On Thursday, 23 March, the Prince of Wales arrived at his last stop for the visit, where a friendly crowd welcomed him. Some women later spoke to the press about their short exchanges with the Prince. 

One of them, Olga Mieszejewska-Buchalik, said that she appreciated “his support for our country and Ukraine” and that she had travelled three hours from the south of the country just to see the Prince. 

Another one, 26-year-old Vonya Bultruski, told the PA she told him “how much his support for refugees means,” adding that “he’s a very kind man.” She also emphasised how his presence “is a big moment for my country.”

A third woman, milliner Marta Galinska, handed him a pink felt hat she had created for the Princess of Wales. Prince William was also gifted flowers and other objects, including yellow tulips. 

Once inside the food hall, the Prince of Wales sat down for lunch with some of the young refugees that have fled the war and listened to their stories, including how they are adapting to life in a new country. 

He was heard telling them: “It must be very difficult to start an entire new life in a new country,” adding, “It’s amazing how resilient you are. That shines out.”

The Prince also stopped to speak with some of the many people in Poland that have hosted refugees for the past 13 months, thanking them for their support and kindness. 

The food hall was the last stop in a very intense trip. The Prince visited troops guarding the border between Poland and Ukraine and spoke with Polish President Andrzej Duda before laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

This represents the second trip to Poland for Prince William, who was there in 2017 with his wife and two older children for an official tour.