Kate Middleton celebrated St Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards this morning.
The Princess of Wales looked festive in a green coat and matching heels as she attended the St Patrick’s Day parade at Wellington Barracks in Westminster, London.
The Princess, who is colonel of the regiment, missed last year’s celebrations following her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Shortly after arriving at the barracks this morning, Kate handed out medals for long service and good conduct.
Then, the Princess joined the parade. As in previous years, she presented traditional sprigs of shamrock to the Officers and Guardsmen.
Of course, the regimental mascot—an Irish Wolfhound—got his sprig of shamrock too!
The parade ended with a royal salute and march past.
The Princess took the salute as colonel of the regiment.
Following the parade, Kate met with Irish Guards young and old. She met with veterans and the ‘Mini Micks’ junior cadets.
It’s the first time Kate’s met with the ‘Mini Micks’ who had travelled from Northern Ireland.
As in previous years, Kate joined the official Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess photographs and spent time in the junior ranks’ dining hall for a toast in her honour.
Then, Kate spent time meeting Guardsmen to hear about their roles and experiences within the Irish Guards.
Before leaving, the Princess spent time in the Sergeants’ Mess to meet with members and their families.
Let’s take a look at the Princess’s outfit in detail now.
Kate Middleton’s St Patrick’s Day Outfit:
We all know Kate loves a bit of literal dressing—she never misses the chance to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day—a shade widely associated with the country.
The coat isn’t new, she debuted it during her visit to Boston in 2022. (She also owns the same design in blue, which she wore on Christmas Day in 2023).
The coat is a bespoke creation, commissioned by the Princess and created by the team at Alexander McQueen.
The maxi-length coat extends to the mid-calf and features a sharply tailored silhouette, peplum-style pockets and a belted waist detail— all of which give the coat an elegant, streamlined shape.
The double-breasted design and statement cuffs both add a polished, military-inspired touch to the coat. A nod to the location and purpose of her visit today, of course.
If you follow the Princess’s style, you’ll know she’s only deviated from wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day twice. First, in 2015, during her pregnancy with Princess Charlotte. She opted for a dark brown Catherine Walker coat paired with a matching Lock & Co. hat. The second occasion was in 2023. She chose an eye-catching teal Catherine Walker & Co. coat for that occasion. The vibrant hue matched the plumes worn in the bearskin caps by the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. I’ve often thought she chose this shade to symbolise a new era in her new role as the Irish Guards’ honorary Colonel. (The Princess was appointed colonel of the Irish Guards in the same year).
I’ll quickly tell you about Kate’s accessories now, as I’m running short on time. The Princess paired the green coat with a matching scarf, black gloves, a structured black handbag, and a shamrock brooch.
Bag: Grace Han Love Letter Bag in Size Small
Boots: I think they’re her Ralph Lauren boots TBC
Hat: Lock & Co. First worn in 2019.
Scarf: TBC
Gloves: TBC but probably Cornelia James
Earrings: Kiki McDonough Green Tourmaline, Green Amethyst and Diamond Earrings
Brooch: Cartier Shamrock in gold, on loan from the regiment
