The Princess of Wales visits the Irish Guards at Wellington Barracks

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The Princess of Wales has visited the Irish Guards at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wellington Barracks.

The Princess of Wales laughing and joined by the Irish Guards

As Colonel of the Irish Guards, The Princess has visited the regiment on St. Patrick’s Day to meet with soldiers and veterans and attend the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Princess of Wales during a visit to the Irish Guards for their St Patrick's Day Parade

The Irish Guards, formed in 1900 by Queen Victoria, are experts in infantry combat. As part of the guards division, they also have a ceremonial role as protectors of the royal palaces. The Princess has been Colonel since 2023, taking over from The Prince of Wales. 

During the visit, Her Royal Highness awarded long service and good conduct medals to soldiers within the regiment; and also met veterans of the Guards and Mini Micks, junior cadets from Northern Ireland. 

The Princess of Wales presenting traditional sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen during visit to the Irish Guards for St Patrick's Day Parade
The Princess presents traditional shamrock to the Irish Guards' regimental mascot

The Princess presented traditional springs of shamrock to the Officers and Guardsmen who then issued it along the ranks, as well as presenting it to the Irish Wolf Hound regimental mascot. 

The Princess of Wales receiving a toast with a pint of Guinness

Following the parade, The Princess then had the opportunity to meet Guardsmen and find out more about their roles and experiences within the Irish Guards before the Senior Guardsman in the Battalion proposed a toast to Her Royal Highness.  

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