First Fusiliers in Estonia perform haka to mark Fiji Day

Soldiers from the First Fusiliers performed a traditional haka in honour of Fiji Day.

To mark the island nation's national day, the Fusiliers also sang in the country's language.

The First Fusiliers performed the haka in Estonia, where they are leading Nato's multinational battlegroup for a second time.

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Fiji Day is celebrated annually on 10 October to commemorate two key events in the country's history – the day that Fiji ceded to the UK and the day it gained its independence 96 years later.

Britain began its rule of Fiji on 10 October 1874, lasting until 10 October 1970.

Nearly a century of British rule forged enduring historical and military bonds between the two island nations.

Despite gaining independence in 1970, Fiji sustained strong military relations with the UK through joint exercises, training, and peacekeeping missions.

According to Communities Fiji Britain, a charity that provides support to Fijians in the UK, Fijians are the largest Commonwealth cohort in the UK Armed Forces.

Most Fijians serving in the UK military are in the Army, but there are also Fijians serving in the RAF and Navy.

The First Fusiliers Battlegroup in Estonia includes a French contingent and is supported by the Royal Horse Artillery's AS90 howitzers.

The Wiltshire-based Fusiliers have previously led the multinational battlegroup on Nato's eastern flank in 2020.