Prince and Princess of Wales at St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2023

~ Saad719

The Princess of Wales, incoming Colonel of the Irish Guards, was joined by the Prince of Wales, outgoing Colonel, to attend the Irish Guards’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot on March 17th. This will be the first time that the Princess attended the parade as the Colonel of the Regiment.  

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The Princess of Wales (wearing the Cartier Irish Guards Brooch) presented the traditional sprigs of shamrock to the Officers and Guardsmen who in turn issue it along the ranks, as well as presenting it to the Irish Wolf Hound regimental mascot. The parade concluded with a Royal Salute and march-past where the Princess took the salute as the new Colonel. 

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Following the parade, the Prince and Princess of Wales met the Irish Guards Association which comprises of past members of the Irish Guards. The Princess was invited to inspect the front rank whilst the Prince inspected the second rank.

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The Prince of Wales said:

I would now like to speak directly to the families gathered here today. I hope you know how truly grateful I am to all of you too. On this, my 13th and final St Patrick’s Day as Colonel, not only am I saddened that I’ll likely fail once again to finish a pint of Guinness but I am also sad that I won’t in future see more of you, the families, whose unwavering support enables these outstanding men and women to do what they do.

I may be stepping aside, but in Colonel Catherine you have a committed, focussed, and already incredibly loyal 11th Colonel. As you serve together over the years ahead, know that I will continue to watch you, with huge pride in having been one of you.

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The Princess said:

Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Guardsmen, and families of the Irish Guards.

I really couldn’t be prouder to stand in front of you here today. It really is a true honour to be your Colonel. I am here to listen to you, to support you, and to champion you in all you do this is a responsibility I do not take lightly.

Last week, I took the opportunity to visit some of you on Salisbury Plain, to see your inspiring work for myself. The day was bitterly cold, and while displaying your skills to yet another visitor was probably the last thing any of you wanted to do, all I saw was enthusiasm, pride, and incredible dedication. I was hugely impressed with your insistence that nothing is as bad as it seems, and – most of all – your boundless, irreverent, glorious sense of humour.

That’s what makes you who you are and what makes the Irish Guards unique.

I look forward to spending more time with you and your families, seeing your commitment to duty and service in all you do. Before I close, however, I want to thank Colonel William. He has always talked about his fierce pride for this Regiment. I know he will continue to support us all in the work we do.

Finally, I would like to wish you all, a very happy St Patrick’s Day.

Thank you.

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After the inspection, the Prince and Princess met members of the Regiment before sitting for official Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess photographs. The Prince and Princess then visited the Junior Ranks dining hall where the Senior Guardsman in the Battalion proposed a toast to the Prince and Princess.

St Patrick’s Day Parade in 2022 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017

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