Princess of Wales marks St Patricks Day

The Princess of Wales celebrated St Patrick’s Day at Mons Barracks.

As the Patron Saint of Ireland is celebrated annually, a special tradition has taken place at the Mons Barracks since Edwardian times. Queen Alexandra (née Princess of Denmark), consort to King Edward VII, began the tradition of presenting shamrocks to the newly formed Irish Guards in March 1901. Since then, royals across the generations have enjoyed the privilege of honouring the regiment and meeting with their families who attend the festivities.

The Princess of Wales was appointed as the Honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards in December 2022 following the accession of King Charles III. The Princess, in that role, has regularly attended the event held in Aldershot—sometimes joined by the Prince of Wales.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

On Tuesday, the Princess continued the tradition of handing out sprigs of shamrocks to the assembled Officers and Guardsmen, receiving a royal salute followed by a march-past.

“Colonel Catherine”, as she is known to her regiment, also presented Turlough Mór (known as Seamus)— the Irish Wolfhound regimental mascot—a sprig of his own. This engagement is one which many look forward to every year.

The Princess then awarded both long service and good conduct medals to soldiers within the regiment, also meeting with a group of Regimental Association Members and the ‘Mini Micks’, who are junior cadets from Northern Ireland.

Her Royal Highness also joined in the customary Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess official photographs. At the Sergeants’ Mess, the Princess met with members of the regiment and their families, recognising the vital contributions they make to supporting the British Armed Forces.

The Irish Guards, who serve a dual role as world-class infantry soldiers, specialise in frontline combat requiring precise training in the use of firearms, anti-tank missiles, mortars, reconnaissance, and sniper capabilities. The regiment also serves as a ceremonial personal bodyguard to the sovereign and is frequently seen on duty outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

A statement from Kensington Palace said

After a sustained period of providing vital support to training the Ukrainian Armed forces, the Irish Guards are now committed to modernisation and remaining at the forefront of emerging operational capabilities. They are now a leading force in building the UK’s drone warfare capability.