Kate Middleton marked a royal milestone on Sunday, March 17, by attending the Irish Guards’ annual St. Patrick’s Day parade alone for the first time as Colonel. The Princess of Wales, 43, participated in the event at Wellington Barracks in London, leading the celebration without Prince William by her side.
Although Kate has attended the parade since 2012, this was her first solo appearance in the role she assumed in 2022 after a royal reshuffle following King Charles’ accession. Prince William, who previously held the title since 2011, passed the position to his wife, and they attended the parade together last year as the outgoing and incoming Colonels.
The St. Patrick’s Day event has long been a tradition for the royal couple, with Kate even stepping in for William at the parade in 2012 during her early years as a working royal. In 2016, William attended alone while Kate stayed home with their children before their overseas tour. The couple skipped the event in 2020 and 2021 due to military deployments and COVID-19 restrictions but resumed attendance in 2022.
Kate missed last year’s celebration while recovering from abdominal surgery in January. In her absence, the regiment honored her with three cheers and a gesture of goodwill by covering the soldiers’ post-parade celebrations. Shortly after, Kate revealed her cancer diagnosis, stepping back from royal duties to undergo treatment. She later confirmed in January 2025 that she is in remission.
Back in full force, Kate’s presence at this year’s parade was appreciated by the Irish Guards. Drummer Joseph Aldridge, 27, who handles the unit’s mascot, an Irish Wolfhound named Seamus, said having her back was “special.” Speaking to PEOPLE, he noted, “She’s our colonel, and we want her at our parade every year. It’s nice to see her come out and meet everyone—especially Seamus.”
Kate’s return to royal engagements signals her renewed commitment to public duties,
