The Princess of Wales given incredible reception as she returns to major event
The Princess of Wales has been given an incredibly warm welcome as she stepped out for the St Patrick’s Day parade in London.
It marks the first parade Kate has carried out solo as Colonel of the Irish Guards.
She missed the celebrations last year after being diagnosed with cancer, and for her last appearance at the parade in 2023, she was joined by the Prince of Wales.
Kate, who is making a gradual return to her public duties, will award long service and good conduct medals to soldiers and present the traditional sprigs of shamrock to officers and guardsmen at Wellington Barracks.
The Princess will also take the salute as colonel during a march-past and meet Irish Guards veterans as well as junior cadets from Northern Ireland known as Mini Micks.
See the best photos from the parade below…
© Getty ImagesSymbolic brooch
The Princess wore a gold shamrock brooch for the parade, which is made by Cartier and is loaned to her by the Irish Guards for the occasion.
© GettyRoyal return
Before the parade, Kate presented operational medals to Irish Guards soldiers who recently returned from deployment in Iraq.
During a private ceremony in the Officers’ Mess, Kate also awarded Long Service and Good Conduct medals to soldiers in recognition of their commitment to the Army.
She told soldiers and their families how she had missed taking part in the ceremony over the past two years.
© Getty ImagesSmiling Kate
Ahead of the parade, Kate sent a personal message to British tennis star, Jack Draper, to congratulate him on his Indian Wells title.
