Kate Middleton Will Return to St. Patrick's Day Tradition After Missing Event Last Year

Mar. 15, 2025

Kate Middleton attends the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17, 2023.Photo:Chris Jackson/Getty

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks on March 17, 2023 in Aldershot, England. Catherine, Princess of Wales visits the 1st Battalion Irish Guards and attends the parade for the first time as Colonel of the Regiment succeeding The Prince of Wales, the outgoing Colonel

Chris Jackson/Getty

Kate Middletonis set to toast with a pint of Guinness this St. Patrick’s Day!

On March 11, Kensington Palace confirmed that the Princess of Wales will visit the Irish Guards at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Wellington Barracks on the holiday. Kate, 43, wasnamed the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guardsin 2022 but was a regular at the annual March 17 event even before that, often accompanying her husband,Prince William, who held the position before her.

Monday’s appearance will mark a return to the event for Princess Kate, whomissed last year’s parade amid her health battles. The royal was recovering from a January 2024abdominal surgery, and she revealed later in March 2024 that she had beendiagnosed with cancer.

The Irish Guards kept the Princess of Wales in their thoughts, giving her three cheers at the end of their celebratory parade.

Kate Middleton attends the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17, 2023.CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales presents a traditional sprig of shamrock to Officers and Guardsmen of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards during a St Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, south west of London, on March 17, 2023

CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty

At Monday’s parade, Princess Kate will take part in various traditions. She’ll award long service and good conduct medals to soldiers within the regiment before joining the parade to present sprigs of shamrock to the officers and guardsmen. Their Irish Wolf Hound regimental mascot also usually receives some shamrocks as well as a sweet pat from the royal.

The parade will conclude with a royal salute and march past where Kate will take the salute as colonel.

Kate Middleton attends the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17, 2019.GARETH FULLER/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge enjoys a pint of Guinness with officers and guardsmen of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards after the St Patrick’s Day parade, at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, west London, on March 17, 2019.

GARETH FULLER/POOL/AFP via Getty

Princess Kate made a rare outing amid her cancer treatment in June 2024 duringTrooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the British monarch’s birthday. Last year’s event saw the Irish Guards lead the parade through London, as the five regiments of the Foot Guards rotate which present their flag at Trooping the Colour each year.

Katedid not lead the Colonel’s Reviewthe weekend before Trooping the Colour, as is tradition, amid her cancer treatment. However, she didsend a letter sharing her “apologies.”

Kate Middleton attends the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17, 2019.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the 1st Battalion Irish Guards St Patrick’s Day Parade at Cavalry Barracks on March 17, 2019 in Hounslow, England

Samir Hussein/WireImage

“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping of the Colour,” she said. “I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.”

Kate continued, “Being your colonel remains a great honor, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review. Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however, I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon. Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved.”

The Princess of Wales signed her name as “Colonel Catherine.”

Kate Middleton with her family at Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024.Chris Jackson/Getty

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 15: Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales during Trooping the Colour at Buckingham Palace on June 15, 2024 in London, England. Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial parade celebrating the official birthday of the British Monarch. The event features over 1,400 soldiers and officers, accompanied by 200 horses. More than 400 musicians from ten different bands and Corps of Drums march and perform in perfect harmony.

In a speech at the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day parade, Princess Kate said it was a “true honor” to be the Colonel of the Irish Guards.

“I am here to listen to you, to support you, and to champion you in all you do – this is a responsibility I do not take lightly,” she said.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton attend the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17, 2019.GARETH FULLER/POOL/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge enjoy a pint of Guinness with officers and guardsmen of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards after the St Patrick’s Day parade, at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, west London, on March 17, 2019

“I look forward to spending more time with you and your families, seeing your commitment to duty and service in all you do. Before I close, however, I want to thank Colonel William. He has always talked about his fierce pride for this Regiment. I know he will continue to support us all in the work we do,” Princess Kate continued. “Finally, I would like to wish you all, a very happy St. Patrick’s Day.”

source: people.com

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