Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is taking part in the Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day celebrations today. Today, in her capacity as colonel of the Irish Guards, Kate joined the regiment for their annual St Patrick’s Day parade, an event she couldn’t attend last year due to recovery from abdominal surgery and her cancer diagnosis. Now, as she gradually resumes her public duties, the Princess is bestowing long service and good conduct medals to soldiers and offering the customary sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen at Wellington Barracks in London. The regiment’s Irish wolfhound mascot is also in attendance. Wearing a bottle green coat, Kate was welcomed by high-ranking officers before proceeding to the Officers’ Mess to present medals. This year’s event holds extra significance as the regiment marks its 125th anniversary.
The Princess of Wales at the Irish Guards St Patrick’s Day Parade today
(Image: Getty Images)
Kate, as colonel, took the salute during a march-past and met with Irish Guards veterans as well as young cadets from Northern Ireland, known as Mini Micks. The princess will also mingle in the junior ranks’ dining hall, where a senior guardsman will propose a toast in her honour, and spend time with families in the sergeants’ mess. The last time she graced the parade was back in 2023, joining the Irish Guards on St Patrick’s Day alongside Prince William at Mons Barracks, Hampshire. This marked her stepping into the role of colonel from Prince William, reports the Mirror. During her absence last year, the guardsman honoured their missing colonel with three hearty cheers while she stepped back from public engagements. Come June, another key event was amiss without Kate – the Colonel’s Review, a precursor to Trooping the Colour. Despite not being present, the Duchess sent heartfelt regrets and conveyed her pride in the regiment through a thoughtful letter.
The Princess of Wales meets Seamus, the Irish Guards mascot during a visit to the Irish Guards for their St Patrick’s Day Parade at Wellington Barracks in London
The note, penned on Kensington Palace stationery and revealed via the Irish Guards social media handle X, read: “I wanted to write to let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour. I appreciate everyone Trooping this year has been practising for months, and dedicating many hours to ensure their uniforms and drill are immaculate.” Kate’s message continued with warmth and regret: “Being your Colonel remains a great honour, and I am very sorry that I am unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel Review. Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however, I do hope I can represent you all again soon. Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.” Kate concluded her letter with a handwritten version of the Irish Guards’ motto Quis Separabit, translating to ‘Who shall separate us?’ and signs off as ‘Colonel Catherine’.
Kate presents traditional sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen
(Image: PA)
Kate’s solo engagement today comes after she and Prince William attended the Wales v England Six Nations match on Saturday, where they were seen cheering for opposing teams. The Royal pair took their places at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium to witness the final round of matches in the competition. While William is the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), Kate holds a similar role with the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Known for their competitive spirit, the couple have previously shared light-hearted banter about their differing team loyalties during the tournament, with William backing Wales and Kate supporting England. They also revealed that they spend their weekends watching Princes George and Louis play rugby, even in ‘freezing’ weather conditions. “We go from one competition to the next at weekends,” William shared. Kate added: “Louis is six and he’s just started touch rugby and George is 11 and he plays a bit more. They do really enjoy it, actually. She added: ” She further mentioned: “They’ve been exposed to lots of different sports.”
