The Duke of Cambridge joins the Irish Guards at the St Patrick's Day Parade

The Duke of Cambridge visited the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow to present the traditional sprigs  of shamrock to the Officers and Guardsmen of the Regiment. His Royal Highness is Colonel of the Regiment.

Except in wartime, the presentation is traditionally made by a member of the Royal Family. This task was first performed in 1901 by Queen Alexandra and later by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Since the latter's death, the presentation has been made by The Princess Royal and The Duchess of Cambridge. On the regiment's 50th anniversary in 1950, King George VI made the presentation in person.

450 soldiers marched onto the Parade Square at their new base at Cavalry Barracks led by their mascot, Irish Wolfhound Domhnall, before The Duke presented the shamrock to officers and warrant officers, who will in turn issue it along the ranks. 

The day is not only the spectacle of the parade it is a lot more, and brings the family of the Irish Guards together both old and new, The Duke had the opportunity to met members of the Regiment, before sitting for Officers' and Sergeants’ Mess photographs, and afterwards met officers and their families.