The Princess of Wales, Colonel of the Irish Guards, visited the Regiment for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Wellington Barracks in London on March 17th, for the first time since 2023.

On arrival at Wellington Barracks, the Princess of Wales awarded long service and good conduct medals to soldiers within the regiment before joining the parade where she presented the traditional sprigs of shamrock to the Officers and Guardsmen who will in turn issue it along the ranks, as well as presenting it to the Irish Wolfhound regimental mascot.

The St Patrick’s Day Parade concluded with a royal salute and march-past where the Princess took the salute as Colonel.

Following the parade, the Princess of Wales met veterans of the Irish Guards and Mini Micks – junior cadets from Northern Ireland ahead of the official Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess photographs.

Afterwards, the Princess visited the Junior Ranks’ dining hall where the Senior Guardsman in the battalion proposed a toast to the Princess, before she spent time meeting Guardsmen to hear about their roles and experiences within the Irish Guards. Finally, the Princess visited the Sergeants’ Mess to meet with members and their families.

The Princess of Wales wore the Cartier Irish Guards Brooch.

Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara