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It’s A New Coat from Catherine Walker for St. Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards

Kate wore a new Catherine Walker coat for the annual St. Patrick’s Day event with the Irish Guards.James Whatling / Splash News

The Duke and Duchess were guests of honor at today’s festivities. The couple arrived early at Mons Barracks, where the Guards are based and spent some time in the Mess Hall before coming back outside for the public events.Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

Kate and William always appear to enjoy this event.Andrew Parsons/i-Images/Polaris

Before she could present shamrocks to others the Duchess needed to have her own pinned on her new coat.Andrew Parsons / i-Images / Polaris

The Guards are a British Army regiment, part of the Foot Guards. They were founded by Queen Victoria in 1900 “in recognition of the many courageous acts of Irish soldiers” during the Second Boer War. Below, Kate being presented with a posy.

Jason Dawson/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

Jason Dawson/Nunn Syndication/Polaris

Below you can see William affixing shamrocks to his cap.©Stephen Lock / i-Images

Kensington Palace explained on Twitter the shamrocks are tucked behind the star on a cap. From Gordon Rayner’s story in The Daily Telegraph:

Ever since their marriage the couple have upheld the 114-year-old royal tradition of presenting shamrocks to the officers and guardsmen of the regiment at their St Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Duchess presented baskets of shamrocks to the battalion’s warrant officers who, in turn, issued the sprigs out along the ranks.

Andrew Parsons / i-Images / Polaris

The Daily Mail notes this year’s parade wasn’t quite as big as in recent years:

The parade this year was much smaller than in past years as the battalion currently has troops deployed around the world, although they were not forgotten – special packages of the fresh plant were flown out to those abroad, including to the Falkland Islands and Oman.

©2015 Richard Watt/ Crown Copyright/The British Army

©2015 Richard Watt/ Crown Copyright/The British Army

We always like to show a picture or two of the Guards’ official mascot, Domhnall, the Irish Wolfhound.Splash News and Pictures

Domhnall is based at Mons Barracks, along with his handler, drummer David Steed. The majestic animal’s name means ‘World Leader’ in Gaelic.Kensington Palace Twitter (@RoyalKensington)

From the Daily Mirror’s story:

The three-year-old dog, which weighs 11-and-a-half stone, was also treated to a sip of Guinness after the ceremony.

(Unfortunately Domhnall’s shamrocks took a tumble, there is a little bit of that shown in ITV’s video about the day’s engagement; we share a link to that below in our ‘Linkage’ section.)

After the shamrocks are given out it is time for the group photo.

Richard Watt/The British Army ©2015 Crown Copyright

Richard Watt/The British Army/©2015 Crown Copyright

A closer look.

Richard Watt/The British Army ©2015 Crown Copyright

Richard Watt/The British Army/©2015 Crown Copyright

Kate was in a bespoke piece by heritage designer Catherine Walker.©Andrew Parsons / i-Images

Catherine Walker tells us the color is chestnut brown, and the fabric is a double wool crepe. A closer look at the modified portrait collar.

i-Images.co

The coat features princess seaming, no pockets that I could see, and box pleats both front and back. The tailoring on this piece was impeccable, as one would expect with a Catherine Walker garment. Kate accessorized with her Emmy Shoes ‘Valerie’ pump in chocolate brown.Emmy Shoes/R. Nunn, Polaris/Emmy Shoes

She wore a hat we’ve seen previously, including at this particular event. It is the ‘Betty Boop’ by Lock and Company.

Splash News/John Lock & Company/i-Images

It looked like Kate carried her Emmy Shoes ‘Natsha’ clutch in brown suede.

Emmy

Emmy

I believe Kate was wearing her brown ‘Imogen’ gloves by Cornelia James. Below, the gloves in ‘parchment,’ a better way to show off the details, especially the bow.

Cornelia James

Cornelia James

The Duchess wore the gold shamrock that is traditionally seen at the ceremony, previously it has been worn by the Queen Mother and Princess Anne. Technically the brooch is owned by the regiment and then loaned to whoever is wearing it. You can just about see the pin in this photograph.Robin Nunn/Nunn Syndication/POLARIS

She also wore her Kiki McDonough Citrine drop earrings.Kate St Patrick's Day 2015 Kiki Citrine Drops 2 Photos and 1 Product shot

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Also today, congratulations to our StyleRocks contest winner, Stephanie.  She was entry number #349 and that’s the number chosen at random.When suggesting a gift from the Russian Rings collection that she thought William might select for Kate, she went with the Willow ring in multicolored gold

StyleRocks/Random.org

StyleRocks/Random.org

Stephanie is no newcomer to the Kate club, she lives in Santa Barbara and attended the polo match there when Kate and William visited during the 2011 Tour. Our thanks to Pascale at StyleRocks for sponsoring such a wonderful contest, and also for the very generous $500 donation she will be making to EACH.

We will see you tomorrow for Kate’ engagement at the Brookhill Children’s Centre in London.

LINKAGE:

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Jessy Bess

Monday 23rd of March 2015

Lovely outfit but why does she insist on wearing these platform shoes? She looks so lovely and elegant but would be much better in courts without the platform, the LK Bennett sledge if she must. I can't help thinking these look at bit 'New Look'...

Megan

Thursday 19th of March 2015

I don't see her carrying the clutch bag in any of these photos?

admin

Thursday 19th of March 2015

In several videos you can see Kate place the bag on her chair on the dais when standing up to observe the official ceremony and national anthem.

Arlene, NYC

Wednesday 18th of March 2015

After a frustrating day of surfing the net I always come to "What Kate Wore" for an elegant breath of fresh. Lovely!

Emily

Wednesday 18th of March 2015

When I saw the first photo, I admit I thought, "ugh, I hate this look" but as I looked at the rest of the photos, I started to like it. Why? She blends right in with the men in all their military uniforms, the shamrocks "pop" against the brown and in the end, the focus doesn't become on her and her pregnant figure. Well played, Kate. I don't know about everyone else, but when I was pregnant, one thing I didn't like about it was how my body and figure were just so on "display", everyone thinks they can comment to you about your shape. It's sort of embarrassing, you lose some dignity in a way. I'm probably over stating it, but I just feel like I understand her look here, within the context. She blends in and looks like a person, not a fashion plate. Also, I LOVE how happy and relaxed she and William look!

BrendaJM

Friday 20th of March 2015

I couldn't agree with you more Emily.

Kelly

Wednesday 18th of March 2015

I really like this look! I do prefer her hair up and the hat is perfect. I think the brown is perfect for the occasion, it photographs nicely and the perfectly highlights the green shamrocks. And again, the perfect accessory his her smile, the Duck and Duchess to seem to enjoy this event!

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