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

Kate Middleton is 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, was named the honorary Colonel of the Irish Guards in 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, who missed last year's parade amid her health battles. The royal was recovering from a January 2024 abdominal surgery, and she revealed later in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

The Princess of Wales last attended the St. Patrick's Day parade in 2023, sporting a teal ensemble that matched the plumes worn in the bearskin caps by the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. That appearance also marked her debut as their honorary colonel, having received the royal title following Queen Elizabeth's death in 2022.

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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.

Following the parade, the Princess of Wales will meet veterans of the Irish Guards and Mini Micks, junior cadets from Northern Ireland. She will then join the official officers’ and sergeants’ mess photographs and visit the junior ranks' dining hall for a traditional toast with a pint of beer.

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Princess Kate made a rare outing amid her cancer treatment in June 2024 during Trooping 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.

Kate did not lead the Colonel's Review the weekend before Trooping the Colour, as is tradition, amid her cancer treatment. However, she did send a letter sharing her "apologies."

"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."

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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.

"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."

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