Army

Duke Of Cambridge And Irish Guards Celebrate St Patrick's Day

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion Irish Guards have been marking St Patrick's Day with a special ceremony by the Colonel of the Regiment.

The Duke of Cambridge dropped in to present sprigs of shamrock at the Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow.

Time for a quick selfie with His Royal Highness!

Traditionally a female member of the Royal family always presents the Guards with their sprigs of shamrock but this year His Royal Highness Prince William took on the role.

Previous years have seen the Duchess of Cambridge make the presentation, but as Colonel of the Regiment it fell to the former Royal Air Force search and rescue pilot to carry out the Royal tradition.

Kensington Palace spokesman said:

"The Duchess has very much enjoyed the occasions when she has been able to attend, but the Duke is the Colonel of the Regiment and is looking forward to presenting the Irish Guards with their Shamrock.

"The Duchess looks forward to marking St Patrick's Day with the Irish Guards many times in the future."

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