Princess of Wales looks radiant in green as she visits Irish Guards for St Patrick’s Day parade

The Princess of Wales looked radiant in green as she visited the Irish Guards for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Princess Catherine, colonel of the regiment, welcomed officers and guards to Mons Barracks in Aldershot this morning.

He was seen offering sprigs of shamrock to members of the regiment and even to their mascot, the Irish wolfhound.

Kate was also photographed smiling as she picked up a shamrock, the symbol of Ireland.

For the event, she wore a sleek dark green coat with a matching hat with a large bow on it.

Kate completed the outfit with a black scarf, gloves, high-heeled boots and a belt.

She tied her hair up and opted for rarely seen emerald and diamond earrings, which she wore at the 2022 Earthshot Awards.

The Princess accessorized her outfit with a delicate gold trefoil brooch by Cartier, loaned by the Irish Guards.

The Princess of Wales is seen meeting the regiment’s mascot, the Irish wolfhound

The Princess of Wales wore an elegant green coat and hat as she visited the Irish Guards for a St. Patrick’s Day parade

She wore her hair up and opted for a rarely seen pair of emerald and diamond earrings, which she wore to the Earthshot Awards in 2022.

The annual event will end with a royal salute from the 44-year-old Princess as the guards complete their parade.

Kate will also award medals to soldiers with long service and good standing.

He will also meet the ‘Mini Micks’, a group of young students from Northern Ireland.

Last year Princess Catherine celebrated her first solo St. Patrick’s Day parade as colonel of the Irish Guards.

He enjoyed pints of Guinness with troops and their families and also put money behind the bar.

In previous years, she would attend the event with her husband, Prince William, who previously held the post.

Princess Kate was named Colonel of the Irish Guards in 2023 but had to miss the parade the following year as she was treated for cancer.

In 2024, the guard chanted three times for the absent princess.

The Princess of Wales walks to present shamrock branches to officers and guardsmen at event in Aldershot

As Colonel of the Irish Guards, he was invited to take part in the regiment’s annual celebrations of Ireland’s patron saint.

Last year Princess Catherine celebrated her first solo St. Patrick’s Day parade as colonel of the Irish Guards.

The Princess of Wales as Regimental Colonel during her visit to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards

The Irish Guards were founded by Queen Victoria in 1900 and the tradition of distributing shamrocks began in 1901, introduced by her daughter-in-law, Queen Alexandra.

The shamrock, with its three heart-shaped leaves, is said to be particularly associated with Ireland and symbolizes the Holy Trinity, representing both faith and country.

Every year on St Patrick’s Day, shamrocks are distributed to Irish Guardsmen serving in the British Armed Forces.

Shamrocks are sent to active duty troops during times of war and are often placed inside Kevlar helmets for good luck.

The greatest honor for those in charge of the household is to receive the shamrock directly from a senior royal.

This post became the Queen Mother’s hallmark until her death.

Princess Anne continued this tradition for a while, but since 2012 it has been carried out by Kate as William serves as Colonel of the Royal Regiment.

The Irish Guards were founded by Queen Victoria in 1900 and the tradition of distributing shamrocks began in 1901. Image: Princess Kate at the parade today

Princess Catherine smiles as she is presented with a shamrock at today’s parade

Princess Kate was named Colonel of the Irish Guards in 2023 but had to miss the parade the following year as she was treated for cancer.

Paying tribute to Ireland’s national day, Kate often wears outfits in various shades of green.

Only once, in 2015, did he break with tradition by opting for a maroon-brown suit.