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Kate Middleton has made her St Patrick’s Day debut as Colonel of the Irish Guards, since taking over the role from her husband Prince William.
The Princess of Wales stunned in teal button-up coat dress, paired with a matching fascinator and suede heels at the parade on Friday.
It marked Kate’s first St Patrick’s Day celebration since taking on the role of Colonel of the Irish Guards, a new title handed to her by King Charles.
When Kate took over the role as the regiment’s colonel in December last year, King Charles named his son Prince William as the Colonel of the Welsh Guards.
There are reports suggesting the Princess of Wales’ colour choice of teal was intentional as it matched the colour of the Irish Guards’ plume.
The green-blue shade also features on the regimental badge of the Irish Guards.
The Princess of Wales spoke about her new role in an emotive speech at the parade at Mons Barracks in the English town of Aldershot.
“I really couldn’t be prouder to stand in front of you here today,” she said.
“It really is a true honour to be your colonel.
“I am here to listen to you, to support you, and to champion you in all you do, this is a responsibility I do not take lightly.”
Kate also thanked her husband “Colonel William”.
“He has always talked about his fierce pride for this regiment,” she said.
“I know he will continue to support us all in the work we do.”
Prince William also spoke proudly of the regiment, officially handing over colonel duties to his wife.
“I may be stepping aside, but in Colonel Catherine you have a committed, focused, and already incredibly loyal 11th colonel,” he said.
“As you serve together over the years ahead, know that I will continue to watch you, with huge pride in having been one of you.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared photos of the St Patrick’s Day Parade on social media.
“It is a true honour to be colonel of the Irish Guards, whose enthusiasm, pride and dedication, plus boundless sense of humour, makes them so unique,” the caption read on Instagram.
