Kate Middleton Returns to St. Patrick’s Day Duty After Health Challenges

Kate Middleton participated in the St. Patrick's Day celebrations with the Irish Guards on March 17, 2025, PEOPLE reported. This occasion marked her return to a duty she missed last year due to her health journey. The Princess of Wales, age 43, attended the parade in London. Last year, she was recovering from abdominal surgery and later revealed a cancer diagnosis.

Princess Kate holds the honorary title of Colonel of the Irish Guards. She took this role over from her husband, Prince William. After Queen Elizabeth's passing, King Charles appointed Prince William as Colonel of the Welsh Guards. This change coincided with William's new title, Prince of Wales.

At the Wellington Barracks, the princess started her visit by recognizing soldiers' long service with medals. Dressed in a dark green coat and hat, Kate then joined the parade. She participated in presenting shamrock sprigs to the regiment's officers and guardsmen during the festivities. The regimental mascot, an Irish Wolfhound, also received a sprig of shamrock to adorn its coat.

Drummer Joseph Aldridge, the mascot's handler, expressed the regiment's joy at having their honorary colonel present at the event. He said, "It was special. She’s our Colonel, and we want her at our parade every year." He noted that meeting her gave the soldiers a wonderful opportunity to connect.

Princess Kate demonstrated her love of animals, enjoying a light conversation about the mascot. Aldridge mentioned, "She said, 'He’s being well-behaved.' I mentioned his unpredictability, and she laughed." He added that even when not serving as Colonel, she would still take time to visit events.

Today’s event was particularly meaningful, as this year marks the 125th anniversary of the Irish Guards. Aldridge commented, "It’s special to do it in the heart of London." Following the parade, the princess met veterans and junior cadets known as Mini Micks from Northern Ireland.

At the mess hall, Kate engaged in the celebrations. After a group photograph with the officers and sergeants, she joined junior ranks, where a senior guardsman proposed a toast with Guinness to their Colonel, the Princess of Wales. During this time, Kate learned about the soldiers' experiences within the regiment.

The Princess of Wales also engaged with families in the sergeants’ mess. Previously, she participated in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in 2023, wearing a teal outfit that complemented the plumes of the Irish guards stationed at the event. This marked her formal assumption of the role, following William’s farewell as Colonel.

In a light-hearted moment, William humorously alluded to his struggles with completing a pint of Guinness. "On this, my 13th and final St. Patrick's Day as Colonel, I hope you know how truly grateful I am to all of you," he stated.

Princess Kate had another notable appearance during June 2024's Trooping the Colour, which celebrates the British monarch's birthday. Regrettably, she could not lead the Colonel's Review, citing her ongoing treatment. Instead, she expressed her pride and apologies to the regiment in a letter before the event.

"Being your colonel remains a great honor," she wrote, urging her soldiers and their detailed preparation. She expressed hope for future participation and conveyed best wishes. The Princess signed her correspondence "Colonel Catherine."

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