Princess of Wales Continues Shamrock Tradition with Irish Guards on St Patrick’s Day
The Princess presents servicemen with traditional shamrock sprigs at the regiment’s annual parade.
The Catherine, Princess of Wales upheld the long-standing shamrock tradition with the Irish Guards during the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, continuing a cherished royal ceremony honoring the regiment.
St Patrick’s Day royal celebration UK marks the presence of the Princess of Wales. She has joined the Irish Guards to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
The Princess who is now serving as the regiment’s colonel, met officers and guardsmen at Mons Barracks in Aldershot. A royal event UK March 2026 was set to attend their annual parade. She was wearing a long green coat and presented members of the regiment and their mascot. An Irish wolfhound named Seamus was presented with traditional sprigs of shamrock.
The parade of St Patrick’s Day will end with a royal salute from the Princess as the guardsmen march past. The Princess, 44, will also award soldiers with long service and good manners medals, and meet the “Mini Micks”. He belongs to the junior cadets from Northern Ireland.
Last year 2025, the Princess of Wales marked her first solo St Patrick’s Day parade as colonel of the Irish Guards. She treated soldiers by putting money behind the bar. She also shared a half pint of Guinness with troops as well as their families.
However, earlier in 2024, she was forced to miss the British royal family St Patrick’s Day due to health issues. It was her abdominal surgery and the following cancer diagnosis. However, in the last year, she attended with the Prince of Wales, soon before taking over from him as colonel.
Her return to the Irish Guards' traditions shamrock ceremony speaks about the sense of continuity and flexibility within the royal family. The annual tradition stays quite significant cultural and military event. It boosts the ties in the middle of the monarchy and the division while honoring Irish heritage and ancient ceremonial traditions.
