Princess of Wales to join Irish Guards for St Patrick's Day Parade

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 13/03/2026

- 22:10

Catherine serves as the Irish Guards Colonel

The Princess of Wales will join the Irish Guards for their St Patrick's Day Parade in Mons Barracks, Aldershot, on Tuesday.

Catherine, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards, will join the parade and present the traditional sprigs of shamrock to the Officers and Guardsmen who will, in turn, issue them along the ranks.


Upon the conclusion of the parade, a Royal Salute will be conducted, followed by a march-past, during which the princess will salute as Colonel.

Following the parade, Catherine will award long service and good conduct medals to soldiers within the regiment.

Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales will join the Irish Guards on Tuesday

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PA

She will then join a group of Regimental Association Members of the Irish Guards and the "Mini Micks", who are junior cadets from Northern Ireland.

The Princess of Wales will meet members from the regiment and their families at the Sergeants' Mess to recognise the important contribution they make to supporting our Armed Forces.

The Irish Guards perform a dual role as elite infantry soldiers, excelling in frontline combat with skills in Machine Guns, Anti-Tank missiles, Mortars, Reconnaissance and Sniping.

Additionally, as the ceremonial bodyguard to the King, they are often seen guarding Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales will meet members from the regiment and their families at the Sergeants' Mess

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PA

The Irish Guard has supported the training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and is committed to modernisation and remaining at the forefront of emerging operational capabilities.

They are now a leading force in building the UK's drone warfare capability.

Catherine's anticipated visit comes as she sent a gift to the staff and patients of the hospital where she received her cancer treatment.

In a kind gesture, the princess dispatched a delivery of narcissi from the Isles of Scilly to patients and staff at The Royal Marsden.

Patients and staffCatherine sent a delivery of narcissi from the Isles of Scilly to patients and staff | INSTAGRAM/PRINCEANDPRINCESSOFWALES

Her Majesty's left a message saying: "To the patients and staff at The Royal Marsden, As spring arrives, these narcissi from the Isles of Scilly are to say I'm thinking of you all. Catherine."

The wholesome move has been posted across the Prince and Princess of Wales's social media, highlighting the kindness shown by the future queen.

Catherine underwent chemotherapy treatment in 2024 and confirmed she was in remission last year.

Following her cancer diagnosis, the princess admitted she has significantly reduced her alcohol intake.

Princess of Wales and Prince WilliamPrince William and Catherine explored the Bermondsey Beer Mile | GETTY

When offered the chance to sample beverages at Fabal Beerhall in London yesterday, which sits along the Bermondsey Beer Mile area known for its craft breweries and tap rooms, Catherine explained to owner Hannah Rhodes: "Since my diagnosis, I haven't had much alcohol."

She noted: "It's something I have to be a lot more conscious of now."

Ms Rhodes responded by offering the princess a soft drink as an alternative.

Catherine then turned to her husband, giving his knee a playful pat as she remarked: "But you like your cider, don't you?"

The Prince of Wales proceeded to sample an array of beers and ciders during the visit.