Princess of Wales returns to St Patrick’s Day Parade

The Princess of Wales has returned to the St Patrick’s Day Parade with the Irish Guards.

The Princess, the Colonel of the Irish Guards, attended the annual parade for the first time in two years, after skipping the event last year while battling cancer.

Her Royal Highness, wearing festive green, presented the traditional shamrock sprigs to officers and guardsmen. They then presented them throughout the regiment.

Of course, the star of the show was the regimental mascot Turlough Mor, an Irish wolfhound. As is tradition, the Princess gave the pup, nicknamed Seamus, a sweet pat.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

The Princess of Wales also took the royal salute and met veterans of the Irish Guards and junior cadets from Northern Ireland dubbed “Mini Micks.”

Before handing out shamrocks, Catherine presented medals recognising good conduct and service to members of the Irish Guards.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

The royal took part in another tradition while out in London: she toasted a half pint of Guinness.

To conclude her St Patrick’s Day visit, the Princess met the Irish Guards and their families to learn about their roles and experiences.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Catherine has been the honorary colonel since 2022, and the Irish Guards are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year.