Princess of Wales wows in turquoise coat and shamrock brooch at St Patrick's ... trends now
The Princess of Wales enjoyed sips of Guinness after she paid tribute to her husband Prince William at the Irish Guards' St Patrick's Day Parade as she takes on her role as its new colonel.
Kate, 41, who was radiant in a turquoise coat which matched the colour of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards' blue plume, sipped on a pint of 'the black stuff' alongside her husband after the pair made speeches to officers and guards and watched the parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot.
During her emotive speech, the princess said: '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.'
Meanwhile William said that being Colonel of the Irish Guards has been one of the 'great honours of my life'.
Kate, 41, attended the event for the first time in her capacity as Colonel of the Irish Guards, following her action-packed day carrying out training drills in snowy conditions with them last week - and today recalled the day as 'so cold'.
The Prince and Princess of Wales each enjoyed a pint of Guinness, the famed Irish stout brewed in Dublin, on their visit to Mons Barracks in Aldershot today as they attended a St Patrick's Day parade in a first for Kate since she took over from William as Colonel of the Irish Guards
Against a backdrop of miserable weather, Kate was a stunning flash of colour in a bespoke turquoise Catherine Walker coat complete with a frilled heart-shaped fascinator costing £1,450 from Jane Taylor and proudly displayed a Cartier shamrock brooch on her chest.
The coat matched the shade of the Irish Guards' blue plume. It featured structured shoulders, buttons and was belted at the waist to enhance Kate's svelte figure.
Her long brunette locks flowed down her back, while her make-up was minimal to enhance her natural beauty.
The mother-of-three kept her jewellery simple with a pair of emerald earrings which she has worn several times before.
Ahead of the parade, the Waleses addressed the regiment onstage as William spoke of his sorrow at leaving behind his role as colonel, while Kate confirmed her commitment to the position as she succeeds him.
William said: 'I’m proud of everything [the regiment] stands for – just as I’m immensely proud of every single one of you.'
He added proudly: 'I may be stepping aside, but in Colonel Catherine you have a committed, focused, 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.'
The Princess of Wales looked radiant in turquoise as she arrived at the St Patrick's Day Parade in Aldershot this morning on her first event since becoming colonel of the Irish Guards. Upon arrival, Kate was given a sprig of shamrocks to wear on her coat, before she handed out the plant to the soldiers
The Princess, 41, met with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards in a training drill last week in which she wore a sensible camouflage outfit, but was dressed for the occasion today
Kate was effortlessly elegant in an all-blue ensemble for the St Patrick's Day festivities earlier today
William donned his uniform and smiled as he met children during the festive engagement today
Kate looked to be in deep conversation with members of the Irish Guards during her and her husband's visit
The Princess held onto a glass of Guinness as she mingled around the room on St Patrick's Day today
The Princess of Wales grinned as she came to chat with members of the Irish Guards for the St Patrick's Day celebrations
William clinked his glass with a junior rank's can as he unwinded in the dining hall during today's festivities
William looked deep in conversation as he raised a glass while mingling with members of the Irish Guards today
The royal couple raised their glasses to celebrate St Patrick's Day during a visit to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards
Kate looked delighted to be speaking with members of the Irish Guards as she enjoyed a glass of Guinness
Kate delivered a speech to the Irish Guards shortly after she took over the role of colonel from her husband, Prince William
During her visit, Kate met with two little girls and showed her natural affinity with children as she gave them shamrock sprigs
William and Kate looked joyful as ever as they waved goodbye following their visit to the Battalion today
The Princess of Wales looked touched to receive a bouquet of flowers from two little girls on the visit
The royal smiled as she enjoyed a chat with the two children, looking stunning in a deep blue ensemble
The Prince of Wales met with junior ranks of the Irish Guards and their families in the dining hall
William enjoyed a pint of Guinness in the dining hall, during his festive St Patrick's Day visit today
The Prince and Princess were all smiles as they made their departure following the royal engagements
The royals grinned following a cheerful visit to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day earlier
The Prince and Princess of Wales sat for a group photo during their festive St Patrick's Day visit today
Larking about: The Prince and Princess of Wales erupted in laughter as Prince William's shamrock sprig was placed on his hat
The couple shared a laugh as they joined the 1st Battalion Irish Guards for the St Patrick's Day Parade
The Prince of Wales spoke alongside his wife as they visited the 1st Battalion Irish Guards for the St Patrick's Day Parade
A flash of turquoise! The Princess of Wales stood out in her bright outfit as she sat alongside the officers and guards who were dressed in black and khaki
The Princess of Wales chatted to the officers ahead of the parade, while Prince William sat one seat away
The Princess of Wales met with officers and guards following the St Patrick's Day Parade while she made her way through a half-pint of Guinness
Are you SURE you like Guinness, Kate? The Princess of Wales beamed as she chatted to guards and officers - but didn't make much progress with her half pint
Barely a hair was out of place in Kate's outfit as she nursed her half pint of Guinness - however some rain drops could be spotted on her coat
All smiles: Kate kept both hands on her drink as she sat down to chat with officers and guards following the parade, and looked thrilled to be there
Kate looked fascinated and deep in conversation as she chatted to members of the regiment in her first St Patrick's Day event since becoming colonel
The Prince and Princess of Wales laughed as they took shelter following a rainy parade, while carrying their Guinnesses
William laughed along with junior ranks as he enjoyed a glass of Guinness during his visit earlier today
The royal looked to be in stitches as he recounted a story to his drinking mates in the dining hall
William chuckled along as he grabbed a beer with junior ranks in the dining hall on his visit today
The Prince appeared in good spirits as he enjoyed his conversations today
William and Kate held onto glasses of Guinness as they enjoyed chatting along with other attendees
Bottoms up! William and Kate sipped their Guinness along in unison as they enjoyed a day of festivities
The royal pair basked in the festive atmosphere, grinning from ear to ear on their visit earlier today
The couple mingled with other attendees as they basked in the cheerful festivities of St Patrick's Day
Kate stood out in her symbolic outfit, the shade of which matches the colour of the Irish Guards' blue plume of feathers
The Princess of Wales looked excited for the event as she sat down to watch the parade in her first since becoming colonel
Cracking jokes: The Prince of Wales appeared to say something that made one of the officers chuckle
The royals and officers of the Irish Guards seemed to be in high spirits ahead of the parade, despite the dreary weather
The Princess of Wales beamed as she got ready to watch the parade while sat next to officers and guards
The Princess of Wales looked excited to sit down ahead of the parade as she carried out her duties as colonel of the Irish Guards
Before taking their seats to watch the parade, the Prince and Princess of Wales chatted to guards and officers
After carrying out her ceremonial duties, the Princess was pictured walking over to the stands to take her seat for the parade
