Hello dear viewers, and a happy early St. Patrick’s Day to all who are celebrating. Today, I have an exciting announcement regarding the Princess of Wales, Catherine, and her upcoming engagement with the Irish Guards. Following the recent joyful news about her family, she is set to visit the regiment next week in her capacity as Colonel of the Irish Guards. This visit will take place just before the grand St. Patrick’s Day parade at Wellington Barracks in central London.
As 2024 came to an end, there was a sense of hope surrounding the Princess of Wales. Many royal fans were optimistic that she had successfully put the year’s challenges behind her. She completed her chemotherapy treatment in September 2024, and insiders had shared that she was eager to resume her royal duties as soon as possible. Regardless of personal opinions, it is undeniable that Catherine remains one of the most admired members of the Windsor family. Last year, she was at the center of several important royal events, including Trooping the Colour, Wimbledon, the Armistice commemorations, and the Christmas service at Westminster Abbey. For one individual, that is an immense amount of responsibility.
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Before we witness Catherine’s upcoming visit to the Irish Guards, it is interesting to take a moment to reflect on her past appearances at the St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Ceremony. Since her first participation in the event in 2012, she has carefully curated her wardrobe choices, often selecting green ensembles to honor the occasion. Her debut look featured an elegant coat dress designed by Emilia Wickstead, complemented by a Lock & Co. Betty Boop hat and the traditional Cartier Shamrock brooch, a piece worn by royal women at Irish Guards events. She completed the look with Kiki McDonough earrings and Emmy London Valerie heels.
The following year, while expecting Prince George, Catherine opted to rewear the same Emilia Wickstead coat dress. However, she styled it differently by layering it over a turtleneck and pairing it with a John Lock Fairy Tale hat. In 2014, she made a slight departure from her previous looks by choosing a Hobbs London Persephone coat. This trench-style, double-breasted coat was a deep shade of green, exuding both sophistication and military precision. She accessorized with a Gina Foster Maribel hat, Kiki McDonough green amethyst earrings, and Emmy London pumps.
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In 2015, while pregnant with Princess Charlotte, Catherine made a notable departure from her usual green ensembles. Instead, she wore a chestnut brown Catherine Walker coat featuring a modified portrait collar. She paired it with a repeat Betty Boop hat, brown Emmy London pumps, and Kiki McDonough citrine drop earrings. This outfit stood out among her St. Patrick’s Day looks, as it deviated from the traditional green palette.
The Princess of Wales returned to her signature green attire in 2017. That year, she wore a Catherine Walker coat with striking velvet trim details on the collar, cuffs, and pockets. The gold-tone buttons on the coat added a military-inspired touch, subtly mirroring the uniforms of the Irish Guards. Her accessories included a Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Co. hat, Emmy London Rebecca heels, and Monica Vinader Siren earrings.
In 2018, while expecting Prince Louis, Catherine once again embraced a deep green ensemble. She chose to wear another Catherine Walker coat, which featured an off-center closure and a faux fur collar and cuffs. This coat closely resembled an Alexander McQueen military-style coat she had previously worn on Remembrance Sunday. To complete the look, she wore a Gina Foster Maribel beret, Cornelia James gloves, and Kiki McDonough earrings.
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Due to the Irish Guards’ deployment and the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Shamrock Ceremony was not held in 2020 or 2021. However, when Catherine returned to the event in 2022, she opted for a Laura Green London coat. The design was a speckled hunting green military wool coat with structured shoulders and epaulets. She paired it with a Lock & Co. Mayfair pillbox hat and Emmy London Rebecca pumps, exuding elegance and formality.
In 2023, her first year as Colonel of the Irish Guards, Catherine surprised many by wearing a teal outfit instead of the expected green. Her Catherine Walker coat dress featured a mandarin collar, angled pleats, and flared cuffs with button details, subtly resembling the uniforms of the Irish Guards. This color choice was intentional, as it matched the shade of the St. Patrick’s blue plume traditionally worn in the Irish Guards’ bearskin caps, symbolizing the Order of St. Patrick. She accessorized with a Jane Taylor Cleo hat, Emmy London shoes, and the historic Cartier Shamrock brooch.
Though Catherine will not be attending the Shamrock Ceremony in 2024, her presence at past events has left a lasting impression. Each of her carefully selected ensembles has paid homage to both tradition and her evolving role within the royal family.
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During her upcoming visit, Catherine will play a significant role in honoring the regiment. She will present Long Service and Good Conduct medals to members of the Irish Guards, recognizing their dedication and service. As part of the regiment’s formal parade, she will also take part in the time-honored tradition of presenting a sprig of shamrock to the officers and guardsmen. This symbolic gesture will also extend to the regiment’s mascot, an Irish Wolfhound, before the officers distribute shamrock sprigs among the ranks.
Following the ceremony, the Princess of Wales will meet and interact with members of the regiment, including junior cadets from Northern Ireland, known as the Mini Micks. She will also participate in an official photograph session with the officers and sergeants, capturing yet another milestone in her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards.
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