Following the news that The Prince of Wales will travel to Estonia next week in his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, a surprising offer that was once made to his uncle, The Duke of Edinburgh, has resurfaced.

Looking back to 1994 and amid major socio-political change in the country, Estonian representatives asked the late Queen's youngest son to serve as their head of state. The unusual offer was called "charming" but had to be declined by Buckingham Palace. However, had the unique offer been accepted, everything that has unfolded since then would have changed.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1994, several new countries were created in Eastern Europe, one of which was Estonia.

During Estonia's first elections, the Independent Royalist Party wished for the country to be a monarchy. They won eight seats in Parliament and went about trying to find someone to take on the top role.

The Sunday Telegraph revealed at the time that the leader of the party had written to the Royal Family to ask if Prince Edward would become their King as they thought he was "perfect" for the role.

It was further said that the country would be honoured if he accepted, as the party admired him "enormously." Following the unusual request, Buckingham Palace is said to have written back, saying that it was "a charming idea but a rather unlikely one."

The reminder of Prince Edward's unique offer comes after the news that Prince William will travel to Estonia next week, marking his first official visit to the country.

During his two-day visit, William will visit soldiers from the Mercians who are currently training as part of Operation Cabrit in Tapa Camp. The operation is focused on Britain's contribution to NATO’s defence of its Eastern flank with the main objectives being to show solidarity with NATO allies, and to bolster defences as a clear message of deterrence towards any potential threats.

While in Estonia, William will also conduct engagements in Tallinn to learn more about how the country has responded to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and how Estonia is innovating in renewable energy and technology.