The Princess in Green McQueen for St. Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards

The Princess of Wales brought back an Alexander McQueen coat for St. Patrick’s Day with the Irish Guards.

The parade was at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, southwest of London. The Princess took part in her role as Colonel of the regiment.

Below, the Princess as she was handed a basket of shamrocks to distribute. 

This is one of those engagements she always seems to enjoy. 

Among those receiving the traditional shamrock sprigs was Turlough Mór (pronounced Tur-Lock More), the Guards’ Irish wolfhound mascot.

When not on duty, the canine is often called “Seamus.” More on his name from this Guards magazine story. 

…the 17th Regimental Mascot is now officially named Turlough Mór after a King who ruled Connaught from 1106 to 1156 and who ruled as High King of Ireland from 1136 to 1156. 

A quick video from Cameron Walker of GB News. 

The Princess of Wales, Colonel of the Irish Guards, presenting a traditional sprig of shamrock to the Irish Wolf Hound regimental mascot, Seamus, during the St Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks, Aldershot ☘️ pic.twitter.com/zorQvsQ9z9

— Cameron Walker (@CameronDLWalker) March 17, 2026

And here is his handler, drummer Joseph Aldridge, receiving his shamrocks. The Mirror’s story by Russell Myers has more. 

Drummer Aldridge said: “It’s nice because she remembered me from last year. She asked how he’s doing, (said) it’s lovely to see him, as always. He’s fit, he’s healthy, that’s what she wanted to know – how healthy he is. She always loves saying hello to Seamus.”

Another view as the Princess handed out the shamrocks.  

The Princess awarded long service and good conduct medals to soldiers within the regiment. 

She also met ‘Mini Micks,’ who are junior cadets from Northern Ireland. We learn details via this Daily Mail article by Rebecca English. 

Speaking to the junior cadets, she said: ‘Well done all of you, it’s a hard run. Really well done.’

More on the Princess’s visit from this piece by Kate Mansey in The Times. 

Kate also met the two women who founded the Women’s Network at the Irish Guards. Speaking to Sergeant Maxwell and Lance Sergeant Aldous, the Princess asked if they thought “things were changing” regarding attitudes towards women in the Armed Forces. 

Sergeant Aldous said she joined in 2011, and it was “completely different.” Meanwhile, Sergeant Maxwell said: “A lot of it is about people’s past experiences where they haven’t been heard before by their chain of command and been supported properly.

After the shamrock presentation, it was time for the parade. 

The Princess’s view. 

Following the parade, the Guards raised three cheers for the Princess.

The Princess was given a lovely bouquet of flowers. 

The bouquet was created by Martyn Crossley, a Windsor florist who has created many beautiful arrangements for members of the royal family on special occasions. Thank you to my friend Micki for the heads-up on this. 

Then it was time to pose for the group photo. 

Then the Princess met families inside the mess hall. The Daily Mail piece offers additional information.

In one sweet moment, the Princess told the wives of the Irish Guards that they need a ‘mum’s club’ to help with childcare.

Kate, a mother of three, discussed juggling taking care of young children with the pressures of having spouses in the Armed Forces.

Speaking to the troops and their families in the Sergeant’s Mess after the parade, the Princess remarked on the ‘amazing swimming pool’ and communal areas available.

She also discussed sports with the children of the officers present, asking them what they play and how often.

Here she is with some of the youngsters.

The Mirror provides details. 

She also met Lance Sergeant Mills, who led the drums and pipes during the parade, his wife Jessica, and their three-year-old daughter Vienna, who jumped up and down with excitement as the princess crouched down to greet her.

“Are you excited?” Kate asked Vienna, before telling her she had “beautiful hair” and applauding when the little girl twirled in her blue dress. She princess offered her hands to Vienna, who took them before swinging towards the floor.

Another view of the girls with the Princess. 

We return to The Mirror’s piece one more time. 

[Lance] Sgt Mills described meeting the princess as “such a great opportunity”, and one his daughter had been excited about “all week”. He added: “I led the drums and pipes on today, so that was a big moment for me in my career.” His wife, Jessica, said: “(Kate’s) just so easy to talk to, and really down to earth, I wasn’t actually expecting that. “It’s my first time getting to come to the parade, so it was really lovely.”

Here is a video of the girls, this one also courtesy of GB News’ Cameron Walker. 

A very cute moment in the Sgt’s Mess at Mons Barracks, Aldershot, where The Princess of Wales met Irish Guards families after the St Patrick’s Day Parade ☘️

Vienna and Mila (aged 3) were VERY excited to meet Catherine 👑 pic.twitter.com/Y8lYVobMcU

— Cameron Walker (@CameronDLWalker) March 17, 2026

Now, for our look at what Kate wore, beginning with the bespoke double-breasted coat by Alexander McQueen. The tailored design is fitted and midi-length with padded shoulders, peak lapels, button cuffs, front pocket flaps, and a defined waistline.

The coat was first noted at a January 2023 Early Years engagement, and then again on Christmas Day 2024.

Beneath the coat, it looked like the Princess was wearing the Alexander McQueen Ribbed Bodice Sleeveless Dress. I show the off-the-rack version of the dress below, with a knit bodice of finely ribbed material and a full, pleated skirt in viscose. The standard dress had criss-cross bands at the waist, an element not included in the Princess’s design.It was first worn publicly when the Prince and Princess viewed floral tributes to the late Queen at Sandringham in September 2022, and was seen again at a March 2023 engagement. 

The Princess wore her hair up today.

The elegant hairstyle was topped by her Gina Foster Meribel hat, a velour-felt beret with a perky bow, described as a “Classic velour felt beret hat with stylised felt bow trim.” The hat is secured on the head with an elastic band that sits under the hair. It was first noticed at the March 2018 St. Patrick’s Day event. See update below.

UPDATE: Yikes, I messed this up! The hat was first noted on Christmas Day 2013. 

She also repeated her Ralph Lauren Collection black suede boots. 

And the oft-worn Imogen Merino Wool Gloves ($175) in black by Cornelia James.

The Princess brought back her Asprey Emerald and Diamond Halo Earrings. They showcase four emeralds and 72 diamonds set in platinum. They were first worn for the December 2022 Earthshot Awards. Asprey tells me that while the earrings are not kept in regular stock, they can be commissioned, and the company’s concierge can address any inquiries about them. 

She also wore the Irish Guards’ regimental brooch. 

I will see you tomorrow as the Prince and Princess of Wales will greet the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on behalf of the King. Preps have been underway for weeks now ahead of the visit. 

👮 State Visit Ready 🐴

Alongside our partners, we have been busy in Windsor preparing for tomorrow’s state visit from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

We have an extensive security operation in place with numerous measures you will see, and many you will not.

🧵 pic.twitter.com/xkDEmRcuXq

— TVP Berkshire East (@TVP_BerksEast) March 17, 2026

Here is one more photo from today.

VIDEO: 

The Royal Family Channel has almost 9 minutes of coverage in this video.

 

Here is the Today’s Show’s coverage.