In pictures: Colonel Catherine joins Irish Guards for traditional St Patrick's Day parade

The Princess of Wales joined soldiers of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards to mark St Patrick's Day at their annual regimental parade at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, celebrating a long-standing military tradition.

As Colonel of the regiment, the Princess plays a key ceremonial role within the battalion and has become closely associated with the Guards since taking over the position in 2023, regularly supporting soldiers and their families.

The parade, one of the regiment's most important events of the year, saw troops march before their royal colonel before the traditional presentation of shamrock – a symbol of Irish heritage and service that has been shared with Guardsmen since 1901. 

• Princess of Wales hands out shamrock sprigs and medals to Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day
• Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrate St Patrick's Day with Irish Guards
• In pictures: William and Colonel Kate share a Guinness with Irish Guards on St Patrick's Day

The princess even presented Irish Wolfhound Turlough Mor (aka Seamus), the regimental mascot, with a sprig.

Queen Alexandra, the consort of King Edward VII, began the specific custom of presenting the shamrocks to the newly formed Irish Guards on 17 March, 1901.

All images are courtesy of PA.