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 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 herself, which is the symbol of Ireland.

She donned an elegant dark green coat with a matching-coloured hat topped with a large bow, for the event.

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

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

The Princess adorned the outfit with a delicate gold shamrock brooch by Cartier, loaned by the Irish Guards.

Princess Catherine, who is colonel of the regiment, greeted officers and guardsmen at Mons Barracks in Aldershot this morning
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Princess Catherine, who is colonel of the regiment, greeted officers and guardsmen at Mons Barracks in Aldershot this morning

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

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

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

The annual event will come to an end with a royal salute from the Princess, 44, as the guardsmen complete a march-past.

Kate is also due to award medals to soldiers with long service and good conduct.

Additionally, she will meet the ‘Mini Micks’ who are junior cadets from Northern Ireland.

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

She enjoyed a half pint of Guinness with the 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 formerly held the position.

Princess Kate was awarded the title of Colonel of the Irish Guards 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 Princess of Wales walks to present sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen at the event in Aldershot
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The Princess of Wales walks to present sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen at the event in Aldershot

As Colonel of the Irish Guards, she was invited to attend the regiment's annual celebration of the patron saint of Ireland
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As Colonel of the Irish Guards, she was invited to attend the regiment’s annual celebration of the patron saint of Ireland

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

The Princess of Wales, in her role as Colonel of the Regiment, during a visit to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards
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The Princess of Wales, in her role as Colonel of the Regiment, during a visit to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards

The Irish Guards were 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.

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.

The Irish Guards were founded in 1900 by Queen Victoria, and the custom of handing out shamrocks began in 1901. Pictured: Princess Kate at today's parade
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The Irish Guards were founded in 1900 by Queen Victoria, and the custom of handing out shamrocks began in 1901. Pictured: Princess Kate at today’s parade

Princess Catherine smiles as she is handed a shamrock at the parade today
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Princess Catherine smiles as she is handed a shamrock at the parade today

Princess Kate was awarded the title of Colonel of the Irish Guards in 2023 but was forced to miss the parade the following year as she underwent treatment for cancer
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Princess Kate was awarded the title of Colonel of the Irish Guards in 2023 but was forced to miss the parade the following year as she underwent treatment for cancer

In a nod to Ireland’s national day, Kate typically wears outfits in varying shades of green.

She broke from the tradition only once in 2015 when she opted for a chestnut brown ensemble.