<!–
<!–
<!– <!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
The Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day Parade went ahead as usual this year with one notable absence – the regiment’s Honorary Colonel, the Princess of Wales.
Kate, 42, who is an honorary lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, was instead replaced at the ceremony in Aldershot by Lady Ghika, wife of Lieutenant-Colonel Major General Sir Christopher Ghika.
Dressed in a plum coat dress, she presented the Irish Guards mascot, Seamus the dog, with a shamrock, as is tradition at the parade.
Just a year earlier, the Princess of Wales stood in her place and performed the same tradition, wearing a turquoise coat and wearing a shamrock on her lapel.
The 2023 St Patrick’s Day celebrations were Kate’s first as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel after taking over the role from Prince William.
Lady Ghika, wife of Major General Sir Christopher Ghika, lined up for the Princess of Wales at this year’s Irish Guards St Patrick’s Day parade
Although Kate was unable to attend the parade this year as she continues her recovery from stomach surgery, the Prince and Princess of Wales took to Instagram and Twitter accounts to pay tribute to the Irish Guards.
In a glossy video, members of the regiment talk about what St Patrick’s Day means to them and why it is important to the Irish Guards as they went behind the scenes at exercises.
The video was captioned: ‘Happy St Patrick’s Day! Here’s a sneak peek at the Irish Guards practicing for their annual parade. Sláinte to all those celebrating today!’
Last year, mascot Seamus received his shamrock from Kate, who completed her first parade as colonel
During last year’s celebration, the princess gave a speech in which she expressed her pride in taking on the title.
She said: ‘I really couldn’t be prouder to stand before you here today. It is indeed a true honor to be your Colonel. I’m here to listen to you, to support you and to fight for you in everything you do – it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.’
Meanwhile, William said being colonel of the Irish Guards has been one of the ‘great honors of my life’.
The parade proceeded as normal as the members of the regiment took part in the festivities
Stepping in for Kate, Lady Ghika took charge of handing out the shamrocks
Prior to attending the ceremony, Kate had joined the same regiment for a day of army exercises in snowy conditions with them – joking that the event had been ‘so cold’.
She said of the visit: ‘All I saw was enthusiasm, pride and incredible dedication.
‘I was hugely impressed by your insistence that nothing is as bad as it seems and – most of all – your boundless, irreverent, glorious sense of humour. It’s what makes you who you are and what makes the Irish Guards unique.’
She also thanked her husband ‘Colonel William’ and concluded: ‘Before I close though, I would like to thank Colonel William. He has always spoken of his fierce pride in this Regiment. I know he will continue to support us all in the work we do.’
Later in the afternoon, the princess joined members of the regiment and their families for a pint of Guinness – although it appeared the stout might not be her favorite drink as she didn’t drink too much of “the black stuff”.