Celebrating st patrick’s day the prince and princess of wales join the irish guards as kate takes over william’s role

I t was her first St Patrick’s Day parade as Royal Colonel of the Irish Guards, and the Princess of Wales brought plenty of cheer on a damp day.

She and her husband the Prince were in high spirits as they visited the 1st Battalion at Mons Barracks in Aldershot for the occasion, with Kate honouring a long-standing tradition of presenting shamrock sprigs to officers, guardsmen and regimental mascot Seamus, an Irish wolfhound.

Wearing a striking turquoise coat and matching hat, the Princess also sported a regimental brooch in the shape of a shamrock on her lapel, along with a large sprig of the plant, while Prince William wore one on his military cap.

William, in the frock coat of the Blues and Royals, described his emotion at handing over the role of Colonel of the Irish Guards to his wife. He had held the position since February 2011 but was made Royal Colonel of the Welsh Guards after the Queen’s death last year.

THE PRINCE’S PRIDE

In a speech from the dais, he told guardsmen that being their Colonel had been “one of the great honours of my life” and that he was “immensely proud of every single one of you”.

He added: “I may be stepping aside, but in Colonel Catherine you have a committed, focused and already incredibly loyal 11th Colonel. As you serve together over the years ahead, know that I will continue to watch you, with huge pride in having been one of you.”

Then it was time for Kate’s first speech as Colonel, in which she told her hosts that it was a “true honour” to take on the role. Less than a fortnight after she donned camouflage gear to join the Irish Guards on training drills in the snow on Salisbury Plain, she hailed their “inspiring work” and “enthusiasm, pride and incredible dedication”.

SMOOTH HANDOVER

She also paid tribute to her husband’s 12 years of service as “Colonel William”, saying: “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.”

Then she took the royal salute for the first time as Colonel.

Away from the rainy parade ground, the Princess was presented with posies by Aoife, six, and Alice, four, daughters of Warrant Officer Sec