UK’s Prince William, Kate and family regale Poland at start of goodwill trip

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Britain's Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge (R) and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge (L) with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at the airport in Warsaw, Poland, on July 17, 2017. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are on a first official visit to Poland. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:11am, 18 Jul 2017Updated: 2:10am, 18 Jul 2017

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shook hands with well-wishers and met with World War II veterans in Poland on Monday at the start of a two-country goodwill trip that is intended to underscore Britain’s intention to maintain friendly ties with the European Union that it is in the process of leaving.

From Warsaw’s airport, the royal couple were driven in a motorcade to meet President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda at the Presidential Palace for lunch. They visited the palace gardens and after lunch took a short stroll in front of the palace and were greeted by a huge crowd waving British and Polish flags and taking photos.

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (2nd R), Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (2nd L) visits the Warsaw Uprising Museum with Polish President Andrzej Duda (L) and his wife Agata (C), as they are shown around by Museum director Jan Oldakowski (R) in Warsaw, Poland on July 17, 2017. Photo: AFP

“I am so happy that I saw this beautiful couple,” said Helena Wozna, 63, who was in the crowd. “Prince William shook my hand. I’m happy I came here.”

Prince William and his wife Kate then met with World War II veterans at the museum to the 1944 Warsaw Uprising against the Germans, and travelled to a business centre where they met with representatives from Polish and British business. Hundreds of thousands of Poles live and work in Britain, strengthening business ties.

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (R) and Polish President Andrzej Duda light candles during a visit to the Warsaw Uprising Museum on July 17, 2017. Photo: AFP

The Polish hosts have said this is a visit of “respect and friendship” that shows relations remain strong.