2025 marked Kate Middleton's return to the traditional St. Patrick's Day celebration. As Colonel of the Irish Guards, the Princess of Wales attended the troop review at Wellington Barracks, located in Westminster, London. This event, which she couldn't attend last year, reaffirmed her commitment to the regiment previously led by Prince William.
A brooch with history and an outfit in honor of Ireland
Following the tradition started in 1901 by Princess Alexandra, one of the guards handed her a sprig of shamrocks, which she placed under the iconic Irish Guards shamrock brooch. This textured gold jewel, designed by Cartier in 1961, features an emerald at its center and has been worn by prominent figures of the British royal family, such as the Queen Mother and Princess Anne. Since her first St. Patrick's Day in 2012, Kate Middleton has worn it on various important occasions, like her debut as commander in 2023 and this year, when she attended unjoined.
For the occasion, the Princess wore a forest green coat by Alexander McQueen, in harmony with the color of the brooch and Kiki MacDonough earrings, crafted with tourmaline and amethyst surrounded by diamonds. She complemented the outfit with a green hat by Lock & Co adorned with ribbons and black suede boots by Gianvito Rossi. With her hair up, she stood out for her elegance and presence.
A special ceremony and a toast with Guinness
Kate Middleton appeared smiling and approachable with the guards and the regiment's mascot, the Irish wolfhound Turlough Mór, whom she affectionately petted. During the private ceremony, the soldiers toasted in her honor, and she, with a Guinness in hand, thanked them for the welcome. She also nostalgically recalled the previous edition, when the guards shouted three cheers for their absent colonel in front of Prince William. In 2023, she debuted at this celebration alongside her husband, but this year she led the event solo after an especially challenging period.
