Kate Middleton Returns to St. Patrick’s Day Parade: See Best Photos

Royal Return

The Princess of Wales, 43, made a triumphant return to the St. Patrick’s Day parade organized by the Irish Guards at the Wellington Barracks in London on Monday, March 17.

Princess Kate has been honorary Colonel of the regiment since 2022 and had a royal first by attending the event alone for the first time in the ceremonial role. Previously, she and Prince William typically attended the Irish Guards’ St. Patrick’s Day march together, as he was their Colonel from 2011 to 2022.

Back in Action

Princess Kate was in bright spirits on parade day, which marked her first military engagement after she shared on Jan. 14 that she was in remission. The royal received treatment for cancer and completed chemotherapy in 2024, and she has seemingly returned to work in full force since the new year began.

Sharing Shamrocks

Festively dressed her in go-to green to celebrate with the regiment, the Princess of Wales presented the traditional sprigs of shamrock to the officers and guardsmen who then issued it through the ranks.

Kate also received a sprig of her own to pin on, and she wore it below the royal family’s golden Irish Guards Brooch, which is shaped like a shamrock.

Royal Honor

It’s a special year for the Irish Guards, as the unit is marking its 125th anniversary this year. The regiment was founded in 1900 by Queen Victoria, whose adviser Lord Wolseley suggested that the Irish regiments should wear shamrocks on their head dress every St. Patrick’s Day “as a mark of the Crown’s appreciation of their exceptional gallantry” during the Boer War, the British Army reported.

From there, the regiment was born and the St. Patrick’s Day shamrock tradition has continued into the present in gratitude for their gallantry.

Pats for the Mascot

Princess Kate also presented the Guards’ regimental mascot Turlough Mor, an Irish wolfhound nicknamed Seamus, with a shamrock for his coat and gave him a warm pat.

Mascot handler Drummer Joseph Aldridge, 27, tells PEOPLE it was a joy for the regiment to welcome Princess Kate to the parade. 

“It was special. She’s our Colonel, and obviously, we want her to come to our parade every year, but due to some unfortunate circumstances she couldn’t [last year]. It’s nice to see her come out and get to meet everyone — especially Seamus,” he says.

Colonel Catherine

“She wished myself and the mascot happy St. Patrick’s Day,” Aldridge adds about his interaction with the princess. “You can tell Her Royal Highness loves these events because she always takes the time when she can — even when she wasn’t our Colonel, she’d make the time to come and see us.”

Meeting the Mini Micks

Following the parade, which was highlighted by a royal salute taken by Princess Kate and march past, she met veterans of the Irish Guards and “Mini Micks,” who are junior cadets from Northern Ireland.

Kate’s Revelation

Later in the day, the Princess of Wales said she was eager to back the next generation of Army leaders. 

“You get to try so many different things there. Within the military, there are so many career paths you can take. It’s so exciting,” she told a young boy who had recently joined the Army cadets.

“Actually, it’s one of the things that I’m very keen to support, that recruitment side,” said Kate.

Front and Center

Princess Kate was all smiles as she sat front and center for the official Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess group photos. 

Queen of Green

Kate popped in a bespoke deep green Alexander McQueen coat and matching felt beret by Awon Golding for Lock & Co., the world’s oldest hat shop.

Both pieces were already in her wardrobe, making the fashion statement a sustainable one. 

Medal Moment

Earlier in the day, “Colonel Catherine” distributed medals recognizing longstanding service and good conduct to soldiers from the Irish Guards.

Raising a Glass

“Three cheers for the Colonel of the regiment!” Guardsman Barry Loughlin said in a toast to Princess Kate’s honor when she visited the Junior Ranks Dining Hall following the parade.

Guinness Tradition

The Princess of Wales elegantly sipped a half pint of Guinness during the festivities.

Princess Kate is known to raise a glass of the classic stout with the Guards on St. Patrick’s Day, and this year was no different!

Children’s Princess

Kate is known for her warm way with kids, and she seemed charmed by a toddler she met while mingling with service personnel and their families.

St. Patrick’s Comeback

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Princess Kate!