In a heartening return to royal duties, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, attended the Irish Guards’ annual St. Patrick’s Day parade at Wellington Barracks in London on March 17, 2025. This appearance marked her first participation in the event since 2023, as she was undergoing cancer treatment last year.
Dressed in a forest green Alexander McQueen coat, a nod to the traditional color of the day, Kate presented shamrock sprigs to the officers and guardsmen, a cherished custom symbolizing good fortune. She also awarded long-service medals to soldiers recently returned from deployment in Iraq.
Following the formalities, the Princess joined the troops at the Guardsman’s Lunch, where she shared a half-pint of Guinness with the soldiers, embodying the camaraderie and spirit of the occasion.
This year’s parade held special significance as it celebrated the regiment’s 125th anniversary. Kate’s presence not only honored this milestone but also underscored her resilience and dedication to her royal responsibilities following her health challenges.
The Princess’s return to the parade was met with warmth and admiration, reflecting her enduring commitment to her duties and the esteem in which she is held by the public and the armed forces alike.
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Photo Credit: Frederic Legrand – COMEO / Shutterstock.com