Prince William's visit to Rzeszow in south-eastern Poland was kept secret over security concerns until he left and arrived in the capital Warsaw.

He told British soldiers: "Thank you for all you are doing out here."

He said he wanted to thank them in person for "keeping everyone safe" and "keeping an eye on what's going on".

"So, just a big thank you for what you do on a day-to-day basis."

He added: "You're doing a really important job out here and defending our freedoms is really important, and everyone back home thoroughly supports you."

Rzeszow is just over an hour's drive from the Ukrainian border. British troops are there to help secure Poland's airspace.

As well as the British military base, the Prince visited a Polish territorial army base where he met Polish soldiers.

The heir to the throne is also due to visit a Ukrainian refugee centre in Warsaw. On Thursday the prince will meet the Polish President Andrzej Duda and attend a wreath-laying.

Prince William's visit to Poland is at the request of the UK government, but the prince has been clear about his support for Ukraine from the start, tweeting his support to Ukraine just days after Russia's invasion.

He has come to Poland to renew that support.