Kensington Palace has issued no official explanation for his absence, BUT the event has evolved into a primarily solo regimental duty for Catherine in her capacity as Colonel of the regiment since 2022. While the couple once attended together as a joint royal engagement, the Prince of Wales’s schedule evidently took precedence elsewhere this year, consistent with recent precedents where his commitments—such as overseas travel or other official duties—have allowed the Princess to represent the monarchy independently without any indication of discord or controversy. This arrangement underscores Catherine’s established leadership role within the Irish Guards, enabling her to present the traditional shamrocks, address the troops, and share in the celebrations on her own terms, thereby maintaining the tradition’s continuity while respecting the separate demands of their respective royal calendars.
Kate Middleton with a military man
he Princess of Wales stepped out for a solo engagement on Tuesday as the royal headed to the Irish Guards St Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks, Hampshire.
Kate attends the annual service in her capacity as Colonel of the Irish Guards, although she missed the event back in 2024 due to her health issues at the time.
She was seen in a green outfit at the event, styling an oversized coat, beret and a black belt.
At last year’s event, the royal mother-of-three spoke about her travel plans with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, revealing that she hoped to return to Australia and New Zealand with the trio in tow.
Scroll down to see the best photos from the event…
Catherine, Princess of Wales surrounded by regiment in uniform© Getty Images
Royal arrival
Kate arrived solo for her Hampshire engagement, where the royal looked glam in her all-green ensemble.
Catherine, Princess of Wales laughs while being presented with traditional sprigs of shamrock by officer© Samir Hussein/WireImage
Traditional shamrock
Following her arrival, Kate was seen getting a traditional sprig of shamrock.
The Princess of Wales stroking irish wolfhound© Getty Images
Pinning on the dog
It wasn’t just the royal and the soldiers who got the traditional sprig of shamrock, as Kate was seen pinning the plant on the regiment’s Irish wolfhound, Seamus.
Kate Middleton in a green outfit© Samir Hussein/WireImage
Kate’s outfit in full
Kate always looks so glam and she rocked the best green look when she stepped out for the annual parade. She finished her outfit off with a black belt and matching boots.
The Princess of Wales presenting traditional sprigs of shamrock alongside officers© Getty Images
Presenting shamrock
With the shamrock being a key symbol of Irish identity, it’s hugely symbolic for the plant to be offered on St Patrick’s Day. As part of the annual parade, Kate was seen handing sprigs out for the officers.
Kate Middleton laughing while watching a parade© Getty Images
A laugh at the parade
Kate was visibly amused when she watched the annual parade, laughing alongside one of the officers.
Kate Middleton receiving a bouquet of flowers from a young girl© Samir Hussein/WireImage
Flower girl
Kate was on the receiving end of a gift, as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by a young girl. The royal was seen beaming as she was handed the gift.
The Regimental mascot, Irish Wolfhound Seamus, parades with Irish guardsmen and officers for the Princess of Wales© AFP via Getty Images
Seamus leads the parade
We just love Seamus! And the adorable pooch was seen leading the parade as soldiers saluted the royal.
Kate Middleton sitting with a group of military men
