The Princess of Wales marked St Patrick’s Day by raising a half-pint of Guinness in a toast with the Irish Guards at their annual parade at Wellington Barracks.
Respecting Tradition in Style
Wearing a bottle-green uniform and percher hat of the same color, Catherine carried out the tradition of presenting shamrock sprigs to officers, guardsmen, and the regiment’s pet mascot, Seamus, an Irish wolfhound.
A Salute to the Troops
Following the procession, the Princess had a drink with the troops and was repaid in appreciation for contributing to the tab at the bar. Smiling happily, she graciously replied, “That’s the least I can do.”
A Return to Duty After a Struggle with Illness
Catherine, who was made colonel of the Irish Guards in 2023, attended the event this year after missing out last year when she was diagnosed with cancer.
Praising Service and Dedication
Before the parade, the Princess awarded good conduct and long service medals to troops who had just returned from Iraq. She afterwards took the salute during the ceremonial march-past as part of the ceremony.
A Personal Connection with Soldiers
Subsequently, in the mess hall of the junior ranks, Catherine was toasted in her honor by Guardsman Barry Loughlin. She talked to soldiers while drinking Guinness about their experiences being deployed.
“She was extremely kind and was really warm,” Loughlin said. “I was a bit rattled, but you could see that she really cared about us.” Meeting Families and Maintaining an Historic Tradition Catherine also visited the sergeants’ mess, where she conferred with the family members of troops, including relatives of troops who were assisting with training Ukrainian soldiers. The St Patrick’s Day ceremony has been a significant tradition of the regiment since its start in 1901.
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