The Princess of Wales looked radiant in green as she visited the Irish Guards for their annual St Patrick’s Day parade.
Princess Catherine, who is colonel of the regiment, greeted officers and guardsmen at Mons Barracks in Aldershot this morning.
She was seen presenting sprigs of shamrock to members of the regiment – and even to their mascot, an Irish wolfhound.
Kate was also pictured smiling as she received the shamrock, which is the symbol of Ireland, at the event.
She donned an elegant dark green coat with a matching hat for the event. Kate finished the outfit with a black scarf, gloves, boots and belt.
The annual St Patrick’s Day parade will come to an end with a royal salute from the Princess, 44, as the guardsmen complete a march-past.
Last year, Princess Catherine marked her first solo St Patrick’s Day parade as colonel of the Irish Guards.
The Princess of Wales donned an elegant green coat and hat as visited the Irish Guards for a St Patrick’s Day parade
The Princess of Wales walks to present sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen at the event in Aldershot
The Princess of Wales meets the Irish wolfhound called Seamus
In previous years, she would attend the event with her husband Prince William, who formerly held the position.
Princess Kate was awarded the title in 2023 but was forced to miss the parade the following year as she underwent treatment for cancer.
In 2024, the guardsman gave three cheers for the absent princess.
The Irish Guards was founded in 1900 by Queen Victoria, and the custom of handing out shamrocks began in 1901, introduced by her daughter-in-law, Queen Alexandra.
The shamrock, with its three heart-shaped leaves, is particularly associated with Ireland and said to symbolise the Holy Trinity – representing both faith and country.
Each year on St Patrick’s Day shamrocks are distributed to the Irish Guards who serve in the British Armed Forces.
During times of war shamrocks are sent to troops on active duty, often placed inside their Kevlar helmets for good luck.
For those stationed at home, the highest honour is to receive the shamrock directly from a senior royal.
As Colonel of the Irish Guards, she was invited to attend the regiment’s annual celebration of the patron saint of Ireland
The Princess of Wales, in her role as Colonel of the Regiment, during a visit to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards
This duty became a hallmark of the Queen Mother until her death.
Princess Anne continued the tradition for some time, but since 2012 it has been carried out by Kate, as William served as the Royal Regiment Colonel.
In a nod to Ireland’s national day, Kate typically wears outfits in varying shades of green, breaking from tradition only once in 2015 when she opted for a chestnut brown ensemble.
This is a breaking news story – more to follow
