Prince William Connects with Ukrainian Refugees and LGBTQIA+ Community During Surprise Poland Visit
Prince William made an unexpected visit to Poland, where he engaged with Ukrainian refugees, met with Polish President Andrzej Duda, and dined at a gay restaurant in Warsaw. The prince's trip to Poland, requested by the UK government, demonstrated his support for the people of Ukraine and Poland's LGBTQIA+ community.
During his visit to a food hall in Warsaw, Prince William spoke with Ukrainian refugees who had fled the war with Russia. He praised their resilience, noting, "It's amazing how resilient you are. That shines out." The prince also expressed empathy for those starting a new life in a different country and thanked people who have hosted refugees.
In addition to meeting with refugees, Prince William met with President Duda at the Presidential Palace. They discussed the war in Ukraine and laid a wreath at a monument to Polish soldiers. A spokesperson for the prince said their conversation covered the need for ongoing support to Ukraine and its people and the anticipation of the Polish head of state's attendance at the King's coronation.
On Wednesday, Prince William surprised diners at Buetero Bistro, a gay restaurant in Warsaw, when he joined his staff for a meal. The eatery's owner, Pawel Zasim, was as astonished as his patrons by the royal's presence. Zasim revealed that the prince enjoyed a "sandwich in a braided roll with pulled pork" during the three-hour meal.
The prince's visit to the gay restaurant was seen as a sign of allyship to Poland's LGBTQIA+ community, which faces significant challenges. According to the 2022 ILGA-Europe report, Poland ranks among the worst European Union nations in terms of gay rights, and the country does not recognize same-sex unions.
A fellow diner stealthily snapped photos of the royal.
The prince's visit to Poland marks his first trip to the country since 2017 and follows his father, King Charles III, who traveled to Romania last May to meet with Ukrainian refugees. Poland, a strong ally of neighboring Ukraine, is one of its largest suppliers of military equipment and has recently pledged to provide fighter jets.
